//// 


THE   STORY  OF  THE 


THIRTY-THIRD  N.  Y.  S.  VOLS : 


OR 


TWO  YEARS   CAMPAIGNING 


IX 


VIRGINIA  AND  MARYLAND. 


BY  DAVID  TV.  JUDD, 

i  * 

(Correspondent  of  tho  New  York  Times.) 


Illustrations    from    Drawings    by    Lieut.  Hi  .    C. 


ROCHESTER: 

BEXTON   *  ANDREWS,  '<>9   BUFFALO  STEBKT. 
18G4. 


,  5 
33d 


PREFACE.  Ill 


PEEFACE. 


This  volume  does  not  propose  to  review  the  causes, 
rise  and  progress  of  the  unhappy  civil  strife,  which  for 
more  than  two  years  has  rent  our  land;  neither  is  it 
designed  to  describe  all  the  operations  which  have  marked 
the  war  in  the  single  department  of  Virginia  and  Mary 
land. 

It  aims  merely,  as  the  title  page  indicates,  at  giving  a 
narrative  of  one  of  the  many  Regiments  which  the  Em 
pire  State  has  sent  into  the  field,  together  with  a  descrip 
tion  of  the  various  campaigns  in  which  it  participated. 

Nor  should  it  be  inferred,  from  the  embodying  of  their 
experience*  in  book  form,  that  the  soldiers  of  the  33d 
esteem  their  services  more  worthy  of  notice  than  those 
of  numerous  other  Regiments  The  work  has  its  origin 
in  the  general  desire  expressed  on  the  part  of  the  mem 
bers  and  friends  of  the  command  to  have  the  scenes  and 
incidents  connected  with  its  two  years'  history  collected 
and  preserved  in  readable  shape  —  valuable  for  future 
reference — interesting  as  a  souvenir  of  the  times. 

M130418 


v  PREFACE. 

The  plan,  as  will  readily  be  seen,  comprises  separate 
sketches  of  each  company  until  merged  into  the  Regi 
ment  ;  the  regimental  history  from  the  period  of  its 
organization  at  Elmira,  in  May,  1861,  until  its  return 
from  the  war,  May,  1863 ;  brief  biographies  of  the 
various  officers,  and  muster  rolls  of  the  men. 

Such  facts  as  did  not  come  under  the  personal  obser 
vation  of  the  writer,  have  been  derived  from  the  state 
ments  and  reports  of  Division  and  Brigade  Generals,  and 
other  sources.  Owing  to  the  confusion  consequent  upon 
the  death,  disease  and  desertion  attending  a  two  years' 
campaign  of  nearly  one  thousand  men,  some  of  the  mem 
bers  may  find  themselves  incorrectly  "  accounted  for." 

A  double  interest  attaches  to  the  numerous  engravings 
which  embellish  the  volume,  from  the  fact  that  instead  of 
being  gotten  up  to  order,  they  were  u  drawn  on  the  spot" 
by  a  skilful  artist  —  an  officer  of  the  Regiment — who 
participated  in  all  the  scenes  through  which  it  passed. 
.They  constitute  in  themselves  a  pictorial  history  of  the 
first  two  years  of  the  Eastern  campaigns. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTEK  I. 

Patriotism  of  Central  New  York. — Determination  of  the  People 
to  put  down  the  Rebellion. — Raising  of  Troops. — Organization 
of  the  various  Companies  of  the  33d  New  York  Regiment,  — 13 

CHAPTEK  II. 

Elmira  a  Place  of  Rendezvous. — Arrival  of  Troops. — Organiza 
tion  of  the  Thirty-third. — A  Beef  Incident. — Presentation  of  a 
Flag.— Mustering  into  the  United  States  Service 30 

CHAPTEK  III. 

Departure  for  Washington. — Patriotism  of  the  Williarasport  Ladies. 
— Arrival  at  the  Capital. — Camp  Granger. — Destroying  a  Liquor 
Establishment. — "  Cleaning-out"  a  Clam  Peddler. — Review  by 
Governor  Morgan. — First  Death  in  the  Regiment. — First  Battle 
of  Bull  Run. — Changes  among  the  Officers, 39 

CHAPTEK  IY. 

Removal  to  Vicinity  of  Chain  Bridge. — Upsetting  of  Ambulances. 
— The  Regiment  Brigaded. — Frequent  Alarms  and  Reconnois- 
sances.  —  Reviewed  by  General  McClellan. — Crossing  of  the 
Potomac.  —  Forts  Marcy  and  Ethan  Allen.  —  Formation  of 
Divisions. — Colonel  Stevens. — First  Skirmish  with  the  Enemy 
at  Lewinsville  Camp. — General  Brooks. — General  Davidson. — 
The  Seventy -seventh  New  York  added  to  the  Brigade. — A 
Novel  Wedding  in  Camp. — Circulating  a  Temperance  Pledge. 
— Battle  of  Drainesville, 45 


2  TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  Y. 

Grand  Review  of  the  Army,  at  Bailey's  Cross-Roads. — Pleasant 
Acquaintances  formed. — Changes  and  Deaths  at  Camp  Griffin. — 
Dissatisfaction  at  the  General  Inactivity. — President's  War  Or 
ders. — Gen.  McClellan's  Plans  and  Correspondence  with  the  Pres 
ident,  GO 

OHAPTEB  VI. 

Advance  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.— The  Thirty-third  taking 
up  the  line  of  mnrch.—  Flint  Hill.— General  McClellan  decides  to 
move  on  Richmond  by  way  of  the  Peninsula. — Embarkation  of 
the  Thirty -third  at  Alexandria. — Embarkation  Scene.— Mount 
Vernon. — The  Monitor. — Arrival  at  Fortress  Monroe. — Agreeable 
change  of  the  climate. — Hampton. — Reconnoissance  to  Watt's 
Creek. — Rebel  Epistolary  Literature. — Bathers  shelled  by  the 
rebel  gunboat  Teaser. — Building  a  Redoubt, 56 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Continued  Arrival  of  Troops. — Advance  of  the  Army  of  the  Penin 
sula. — Arrival  of  the  Regiment  at  Young's  Mills. — An  Aged 
Contraband. — Lee's  Mills.— The  Various  Companies  of  the  Thirty- 
third  ordered  to  the  Front.— Caisson  struck  by  a  rebel  Ball.— 
Continued  Firing  of  the  Enemy. — Falling  back  of  the  National 
Forces. — Heavy  Rain  Storm. — The  Beef  Brigade. — Enemy's 
Fortifications. —  Troublesome  Insects.  —  Night  Skirmishing. — 
Celerity  of  the  Paymaster's  Movements. — Evacuation  of  York- 
town. — Early  information  of  the  fact  brought  to  Col.  Corning 
by  Contrabands. — The  Rebel  Works  taken  possession  of,...  76 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

Battle  of  Williamsburg, 82 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Williamsburg. — Condition  of  the  Roads. — Pamunkey  River. — 
Contrabands. — Arrival  of  General  Franklin, 94 

CHAPTER  X. 

Battle  of  Mechanicsville, 103 


TABLE   OP   CONTENTS.  3 

CHAPTER  XL 

"  Games'  Farm." — Liberty  Hall. — Battle  of  Seven  Pines. — Fair 
Oaks. — Rapid  rise  of  the  Chickahominy. — The  Gaines  Estate. 
— An  aged  Negro. — Golden's  Farm. — Camp  Lincoln. — Letter 
from  an  Officer, 109 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Proximity  to  the  Rebels. — Colonel  Taylor  fired  at  by  a  Sharp 
shooter. — Picket  Skirmishing. — Building  a  Bridge. — Position  of 
Affairs.  —  General  McClellan  Reconnoitring. — He  writes  to  the 
President. — Lee's  Plans. — Second  Battle  «f  MechanicsviHe. — 
Shelling  the  Thirty -third's  Camp. — Battle  of  Gaines'  Farm. — 
A  Retreat  to  the  James  decided  upon, 118 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Battle  of  Golden's  Farm, 127 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  Retreat  Commenced. — The  Thirty-third  one  of  the  last  Regi 
ments  to  Leave. — Savage's  Station. — Destruction  of  Property. — 
General  Davidson  Sun-struck, 134 

CHAPTER  XY. 

A  Tedions  Night  March. — White  Oak  Swamp. — Sudden  Attack 
by  the  Enemy. — Narrow  Escape  of  General  Smith. — A  Cowardly 
Colonel 142 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  Enemy  Out-generaled. — Arrival  at  Malvern  Hills. — The 
Thirty-third  assigned  to  Picket  Duty. — Battle  of  Malvern. — 
Arrival  at  Harrison's  Landing. — General  McClellan 's  Address. — 
Building  a  Fort.— Slashing  Timber, 148 


4  TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Arrival  of  Reinforcements. — Visit  of  President  Lincoln. — Attack 
by  the  Enemy. — Reconnoissance  to  Malvern  Hills. — A  Deserter 
drummed  out  of  Camp. — A  change  of  base  decided  upon.  —  Re 
turn  March  to  Fortress  Monroe. — Scenes  by  the  way 159 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Abandonment  of  the  Peninsula. — Arrival  at  Acquia  Creek. — 
Disembarkation  at  Alexandria. — Pope's  Operations. — Death  of 
Generals  Stevens  and  Kearney. — Retreat  to  the  Fortifications. — 
Responsibility  for  the  Disaster. — Fitz- John  Porter 165 

"  CHAPTER  XIX. 

General  McCk-llan  Restored  to  Command. — Re-organization  of  the 
Army. — Advance  of  the  Enemy  into  Maryland. —  March  from 
Washington. — Battle  of  Crampton's  Pass. — Harper's  Ferry  Sur 
rendered, 176 

CHAPTER  XX. 

The  Battle  of  Antietam, 184 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

Appearance  of  the  Field  after  the  strife. —  Union  Losses  and 
Captures. — Bravery  of  the  Raw  Levies. — The  Thirty-third  com 
plimented  by  the  Brigade  Commander 196 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Pennsylvania  Militia. —  Visit  of  the  President. — Beautiful  Scenery 
along  the  Potomac. —  Harper's  Ferry.  —  "Jefferson's  Rock. "202 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

• 

Hagcrstown. —  Martinsburg. —  A  New  Campaign. —  Return  of 
Colonel  Taylor. —  Crossing  the  river  at  Berlin. —  Appearance 
of  tlie  Country. — Loy.il  Quakers. —  Removal  of  Gener.il  McClel- 
lan.—  His  Farewell  Address. —  Causes  of  his  Popularity 207 


TABLE   OF   CONTENTS.  0 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Gen.  McClellan's  Departure. — Gen.  Buniside's  Address. — March  to 
Fredericksburg.--Reasons  for  choosing  this  Route.— Randolph  Es 
tate.— Failure  of  the  Pontoons  to  Arrive.— Stafford  Court  House. 
—The  Thirty-third  preparing  Winter  Quarters.— Scouting  Par 
ties. — The  Ashby  Family. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Completion  of  the  Potomac  Creek  Bridge. — An  interesting  relic 
of  Virginia  Aristocracy. — General  Burnside  determines  to  cross 
the  river.— March  of  the  Sixth  Corps.— White-Oak  Church,.  .228 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Laying  of  the  Bridges.  —  A  solemn  scene. —  Bombardment  of 
Fredericksburg. —  Gallantry  of  the  Seventh  Michigan  and  other 
Regiments. —  Crossing  of  the  left  Grand  Division 236 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Battle  of  Fredericksburg. 243 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Events  succeeding  the  Battle. —  A  North  Carolina  Deserter. — 
The  Bernard  Estate. —  Re-crossing  the  River. — The  Thirty- 
third  in  its  Old  Camp. —  Families  on  the  Picket  Line. —  A 
Courageous  Female. —  Changes  in  the  Regiment 251 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Another  Advance. —  The  Army  stalled  in  mud. —  Removal  of  Gen 
eral  Burnside. —  General  Hooker  succeeds  him. —  Character  of 
the  two  men. — General  Franklin  relieved,  and  General  Smith 
transferred  to  the  9th  Army  Corps.  — His  Parting  Address. — 
Colonel  Taylor  assigned  to  a  Brigade. —  A  Contraband  Prayer 
Meeting. —  Sanitary  Condition  of  the  Army, 261 


6  TABLE    OP   CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

Splendid  Condition  of  the  Array. — Gen.  Hooker's  Programme.  -A 
Forward  Movement. — Battles  of  Chancellorsville  and  Vicinity. 
— Jackson  turns  Hooker's  Right  Wing. — Operations  below  Fred- 
ericksburg. — Strategy. — Address  from  the  Commanding  General. 
— The  Washington  Estate. — Crossing  the  Rappahannock.. .  276 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

The  Storming  of  Fredericksburg  Heights, 290 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Battles  of  Salem  Heights, 302 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Gen.  Stoneman's  Expedition  Successful. — Reasons  for  the  Cam 
paign  proving  a  Failure. — Death  of  Jackson. — His  Character. — 
Gen.  Neill's  Report 315 

CHAPTER  XXXIY. 

Departure  for  Home. — Ovations  at  Geneva  and  Canandaigua,.  .322 

CHAPTER  XXXY. 

Splendid  Ovation  at  Canandaigua. — Speeches  and  Addresses  by 
E.  G.  Lapham,J.  P.  Faurot,  and  the  Colonel,  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and  Chaplain  of  the  Regiment. — Return  of  the  Regimental  Ban 
ner  to  the  Ladies  of  Canandaigua. —  Parting  Exercises.  —  The 
Thirty -third  passes  into  History. 


INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 


INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 


HE  period  through  which  we  are 
now  passing,  may  properly  be  said 
to  comprise  one  of  the  three  great 
epochs  which,  according  to  Vol 
taire,  mark  the  history  of  every 
nation.  Nay  more.  Have  not  the 
providential  developments  of  the 
rebellion  revealed  a  new  goal  in 
our  national  progress  ?  Instead  of 
being  a  dire  calamity,  may  we  not  rather  consider  the 
present  civil  war  as  a  means,  in  the  hand  of  Divine 
Providence,  for  the  solution  of  a  great  moral  problem 
—  the  overthrow  of  slavery?  So  completely  had 
the  South  become  wedded  to  her  peculiar  institution, 
that  no  other  instrumentality  save  the  sword  was  ade 
quate  to  effect  their  separation.  The  shock  of  battle 
would  alone  loosen  the  bonds  of  the  captive.  If  this 
were  the  design  of  Providence  in  inflicting  this  war 
upon  us,  no  one  can  deny  that  events  are  slowly  though 
surely  working  for  its  accomplishment.  Every  acre  of 
territory  gained  possession  of  by  our  soldiers  is  an  acre 
gained  for  freedom,  and  already  entire  States  have  been 
wrested  from  the  grasp  of  the  usurper.  Such  a  design 
precluded  the  possibility  of  success  on  the  part  of  the 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 

rebels ;  for,  as  the  death  of  one  of  the  Siamese  twins  neces 
sarily  terminates  the  existence  of  the  other,  so  will  the 
destruction  of  slavery  ensure  the  downfall  of  the  South 
ern  Oligarchy. 

Alexander  Stephens  has  styled  it  "  The  Corner-stone  of 
the  New  Confederacy."  The  corner-stone  demolished, 
how  can  the  superstructure  remain  ?  If,  then,  the 
blood  which  has  flowed  on  so  many  battle-fields,  will  wash 
out  the  foul  stain  from  our  national  escutcheon,  will  it 
have  been  shed  in  vain  ? 

Yet  this  war,  though  it  may  result,  under  Providence, 
in  the  destruction  of  slavery,  is  waged,  on  our  part,  for  a 
different  object,  for  our  national  existence;  and  who  so 
unjust  as  to  deny  to  the  nation  the  same  right  which  is 
freely  accorded  to  the  individual  —  that  of  self-preserva 
tion  ?  The  motives  which  prompted  the  instigators  of  this 
revolution  allow  of  no  misconstruction.  Envious  of  the 
growing  North  j  imbittered  through  disappointed  ambi 
tion;  forgetful  of  our  memories  as  a  people,  and  recreant 
to  the  sacred  trust  handed  down  by  our  fathers,  they  delib 
erately  plotted  the  common  ruin  of  our  country.  Nor  is 
it  owing  to  any  lack  of  exertion  on  their  part  that  the 
government  is  not  now  overthrown ;  our  capitol  and  na 
tional  archives  in  their  possession ;  Toombs  calling  the 
roll  of  his  slaves  on  Bunker  Hill,  and  grass-growing  in 
the  streets  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  It  was 
against  men  prompted  by  such  motives  and  their  infatu 
ated  followers  that  the  sword  was  unsheathed,  and  is  now 
wielded. 

Admitting,  however,  which  was  not  the  case,  that  they 
aimed  simply  at  a  peaceful  withdrawal  from  the  Union, 
we  could  not  have  consented  to  this,  without  ensuring  the 
ultimate,  if  not  speedy,  downfall  of  our  own  government. 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS.  V 

The  right  of  secession  once  admitted,  or,  what  is  the  same 
thing,  Mr.  Buchanan's  theory,  that  secession,  though  un 
constitutional,  resistance  to  it  on  the  part  of  the  executive 
is  equally  so,  acquiesced  in — is  there  a  state  which  would 
not  eventually  discover  grievances  justifying  a  withdrawal 
from  the  Federal  compact  ?  One  "  wayward  sister " 
allowed  to  depart  in  peace,  the  whole  family  of  States 
would  eventually  become  separated.  It  is,  therefore,  a 
duty  which  we  owe  to  ourselves,  and  the  world,  whose 
hopes  and  progress  are  identified  with  this  last  and  noblest 
experiment  of  a  free  government,  to  manfully  and  suc 
cessfully  resist  the  breaking  away  of  a  single  thread  from 
the  woof  of  our  national  fabric,  the  erasure  of  a  single 
star  from  our  national  constellation. 

War  is  the  legitimate  result  of  man's  evil  nature,  and 
in  falling  upon  these  evil  times,  we  are  merely  experi 
encing  the  misfortune  common  to  all  lands  and  all 
ages.  Grim  visaged  Mars  has  presided  at  the  birth,  and 
brooded  over  the  career  of  nearly  every  nation.  "  What," 
asks  Dr.  Fuller,  "  is  the  history  of  nations,  but  an  account 
of  a  succession  of  mighty  hunters  and  their  adherents, 
each  of  whom,  in  his  day,  caused  terror  in  the  laud  of 
the  living  ?  The  earth  has  been  a  kind  of  theatre,  in 
which  one  part  of  mankind,  being  trained  and  furnished 
with  weapons,  have  been  employed  to  destroy  another ; 
and  this,  in  a  great  measure,  for  the  gratification  of  the 
spectators."  America  is  not  the  first  country  which  has 
been  called  upon  to  give  up  the  flower  of  her  youth.  Yet 
our  losses,  though  heavy,  do  not  compare  with  those  which 
have  hitherto  marked  the  annals  of  blood.  The  siege 
and  reduction  of  Jerusalem  resulted  in  the  loss  of 
1,000,000  lives  ;  90,000  Persians  were  slain  at  the  battle 
of  Arbela,  and  100,000  Carthaginians  in  the  engage- 


10  INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 

ment  of  Palermo ;  12,000  infantry  and  10,000  cavalry 
perished  011  the  fatal  field  of  Issus.  Spain  lost  2,000,000 
lives  during  her  persecutions  of  the  Arabians,  and  800,000 
more  in  expelling  the  Jews.  Frederick  the  Great  inflict 
ed  a  loss  of  40,000  on  the  Austrians  in  the  conflicts  of 
Leuthen  and  Leignitz.  The  battle  of  Jenna,  and  the 
lesser  engagements  immediately  following,  cost  the  Prus 
sian  army  over  70,000  men.  At  the  battle  of  Leipsic 
the  French  suffered  casualties  to  the  number  of  60,000, 
and  the  Swedes  and  their  allies  40,000  more;  50,000 
French  and  Russian  soldiers  lay  dead  and  dying  on  the 
field  after  the  battle  of  Moskowa,  and  Napoleon  again  lost 
47,000  at  Waterloo,  and  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  15,000. 

War  has  its  lights  as  well  as  shadows.  A  retrospect  of 
the  world's  history  reveals  the  fact  that  the  sword  has 
been  no  matin  instrumentality  in  the  development  of  the 
human  race.  Though  leaving  a  trackless  waste  behind,  it 
has  opened  a  way  for  the  advance  of  civilization.  From 
the  earliest  period  down  to  the  late  Russian  war,  when  the 
English  army  made  known  the  true  religion  to  the  Turks, 
it  has  been  the  forerunner  of  Christianity.  Whatever 
the  impelling  motives,-  the  resort  to  arms  is  always  attended 
with  some  good  results.  The  enervation  and  effeminacy 
which  a  long  peace  begets,  disappear  before  a  chivalrie 
ardor  and  a  sublime  energy.  A  generous  and  self-sacrific 
ing  spirit  is  developed  where  selfishness  and  venality 
before  existed ;  the  political  atmosphere  over-heated,  foul, 
corrupt,  is  cooled,  cleared,  and  purified  by  the  shafts  and 
thunderbolts  of  war. 

We,  that  is  the  North,  have  experienced  but  few  of 
the  evils,  and  all  the  benefits,  resulting  from  a  condition  of 
hostility.  Indeed,  were  it  not  for  the  absence  of  so  many 
familiar  countenances,  we  should  with  difficulty  realize 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS.  11 

that  the  country  is  engaged  in  a  bloody  civil  strife.  On 
every  side  are  to  be  seen  unmistakable  evidences  of  na 
tional  prosperity.  The  industrial  arts  are  pursued  with 
more  vigor  and  success  than  ever  before.  The  various 
channels  of  commerce,  instead  of  being  drained,  dried 
up,  are  crowded  to  their  utmost  capacity.  At  no  former 
period  •  have  our  ship-builders  been  so  active  in  con 
structing  vessels  for  our  own  and  other  governments  as  at 
the  present  time.  New  factories  are  being  built,  and  new 
avenues  of  trade  opened  all  over  the  Eastern  States,  while 
the  inexhaustible  resources  of  the  great  West  are  being 
developed  in  an  unparalleled  manner.  The  inhabitants  of 
Ohio  reduced  their  debts  last  year  to  the  amount  of  twen 
ty  millions  of  dollars,  and  it  is  estimated  that  the  wealth 
of  the  country  is  increasing  at  the  rate  of  six  hundred 
millions  per  annum.  A  national  debt,  it  is  true,  is  all  the 
time  accumulating,  but  as  a  recent  writer  on  political  eco 
nomy  has  well  said :  "  When  a  nation  maintains  a  war 
upon  the  enemy's  soil,  and  so  manages  its  affairs  that  the 
annual  expenses  fall  below  the  real  value  of  its  industrial 
products,  it  is  evident  that  it  must  be  increasing  in  wealth. 
The  merchant  who  makes  more  than  he  spends,  increases 
in  riches,  and  it  is  the  same  with  a  nation.  An  increase 
of  national  debt  is  no  sign  of  increasing  poverty  in  the 
people,  for  this  debt  may  be  a  simple  transfer  of  only  a 
small  portion  of  the  surplus  wealth  of  individuals  to  the 
general  fund  of  the  commonwealth  —  an  investment  in 
public  instead  of  private  stocks."  There  is  every  reason 
for  encouragement,  and  if  we  will  prosecute  the  war  in 
which  we  are  now  engaged  steadily  and  unflinchingly, 
victory  and  a  glorious,  honorable,  and  permanent  peace 
will  crown  our  efforts. 


OPENING    OF    THE    REBELLION. 


13 


CHAPTEK  I. 

Patriotism  of  Central  New  York. — Determination  of  the  People 
to  put  down  the  Rebellion. — Raising  of  Troops. — Organization 
of  the  various  Companies  of  the  33d  New  York  Regiment. 

O  portion  of  the  Loyal  North  was 
more  deeply  stirred  by  the  events  of 
April,  '61,  than  the  people  of  Western 
New  York.  The  firing  of  the  rebel 
guns  on  Anderson  and  his  little  band 
reverberated  among  her  hills  and 
valleys,  arousing  man,  woman  and 
child  to  the  highest  pitch  of  excitement  and  pat 
riotism.  There  was  no  locality,  however  remote, 
no  hamlet,  however  obscure,  to  which  this  wild 
fervor  did  not  penetrate.  Every  thought  and  action 
were  for  the  time  absorbed  in  the  one  great  resolve 
of  avenging  the  insult  offered  to  our  flag,  and  sup 
pressing  the  rebellion.  Neither  was  it  the  sudden, 
fitful  resolution,  which  comes  and  goes  with  the  flow 
and  ebb  of  passion ;  but  the  calm,  inflexible  deter 
mination,  which  springs  from  a  sense  of  wrongs 
inflicted,  purity  of  purpose,  and  a  lofty  patriotism. 
The  enthusiasm  of  the  people  at  once  assumed 
2 


14       THE    TEN   COMPANIES    OF    THE    THIRTY-THIRD. 

tangible  shape  in  the  raising  of  volunteers.  The 
rebels  had  deliberately  begun  war,  and  war  they 
should  have  to  the  bitter  end. 

Among  the  very  first  Regiments  to  be  organized 
and  hastened  forward  to  the  battle-ground,  was  the 
Thirty-third,  consisting  of  the  following  companies : 

FIRST  COMMANDER.  LAST    COMMANDER. 

A,  Capt.  Guion,  Capt.  Tyler, 

B,  "  Corning,  "  Draime, 

C,  "  Aikens,  "  Cole, 

D,  "  Cutler,  "  Gifford, 

E,  "  Wai-ford,  "  Warford, 

F,  "  McXair,  "  McNair, 
H,  "  Walker,  '"  Drake, 
I,  "  Letts,    '  "  Root, 

K,       «     McGraw,  «     McGraw. 

COMPANY    OKGANIZATIONS. 

COMPANY  A. 

ON  the  reception  of  the  news  that  the  rebels  had 
deliberately  begun  hostilities  in  Charleston  Harbor, 
the  utmost  excitement  was  occasioned  in  the  quiet 
village  of  Seneca  Falls.  Meetings  were  held  in  the 
Public  Hall,  under  the  auspices  of  prominent  citi 
zens,  and  immediate  steps  taken  for  the  raising  of 
volunteers.  An  agent  was  at  once  dispatched  to 
Albany,  in  order  to  secure  the  necessary  authority 
for  organizing  a  company.  The  inhabitants  aided 
materially  with  their  funds  and  influence  in  further 
ing  the  enterprise. 


ORGANIZATION   OF   CO.    A.  15 

E.  J.  Tyler,  Esq.,  established  an  enrolling  office, 
and  placards  were  posted  iip  in  prominent  parts  of 
the  village,  calling  for  recruits. 

During  the  first  two  days  between  forty  and  fifty 
were  secured,  and  in  a  week's  time  the  number  was 
increased  to  eighty.  As  fast  as  recruited,  the  men 
were  set  to  drilling,  in  an  ample  building  secured 
for  that  purpose. 

On  the  9th  of  May  the  company  held  an  election 
for  officers,  which  resulted  as  follows : 

Captain — G-EORQE  M.  GUION. 

First  Lieutenant — E.  J.  TYLER. 

Second  Lieutenant — PRYCE  "W.  BAILEY. 

Not  long  after,  J.  T.  Miller,  Esq.,  now  Inspector 
General  of  the  State,  presented  a  beautiful  flag  to 
the  Company,  in  behalf  of  the  ladies  of  the  place. 
Captain  Guion  responded  in  a  brief  speech,  as  he 
received  the  banner,  promising  in  behalf  of  the 
members  of  his  command,  that  it  should  ever  be 
defended,  and  never  suffered  to  trail  in  the  dust. 
The  presentation  exercises,  which  were  held  in  the 
Public  Hall,  were  very  largely  attended,  and  passed 
oft'  with  great  eclat  and  spirit. 

On  the  13th  of  May  the  Company  departed  for 
Ehnira,  amid  the  wildest  enthusiasm  of  the  citizens, 
where  it  soon  after  became  Co.  A,  33d  ]$".  Y. 


16  COMPANY    B. 

COMPANY  B. 

HIS  Company  was  raised  in  Pal 
myra,  Wayne  County.  Monday, 
April  20tli,  Hon.  Joseph  W.  Corn 
ing,  Member  of  the  Assembly, 
who  had  just  returned  from  Al 
bany,  volunteered  as  a  private,  for 
the  war,  attaching  his  name  to  an 
enlistment  roll,  and  was  followed  in  turn  by  Josiah 
J.  White  and  Henry  J.  Draime.  The  nucleus  of 
an  organization  was  thus  formed,  which  by  the  24th 
numbered  thirty-eight  members.  Four  days  later 
seventy-seven  men  answered  to  their  names  on  the 
roll,  and  the  Company  immediately  proceeded  to 
organize,  by  the  election  of  the  following  officers : 
Captain — JOSEPH  W.  CORNING. 
First  Lieutenant — JOSIAII  J.  WHITE. 
Second  Lieutenant — HENRY  J.  DRAIME. 
With  but  few  exceptions,  the  citizens  of  the  place 
exhibited  a  lively  interest  in  the  formation  of  this 
their  first  Volunteer  Company.  Every  man  was 
supplied  with  towels,  handkerchiefs,  et  cetera,  and 
many  of  them  furnished  with  board  from  the  day 
of  enlistment  until  their  departure.  A  fund  of 
seven  thousand  dollars  was  subscribed  for  the  sup 
port  of  such  of  their  families  as  might  require 
assistance  during  their  absence.  A  sword,  sash  and 
belt  were  presented  to  each  of  the  officers.  The 
ladies  of  the  village  exhibited  their  patriotism  in  the 
presentation  of  a  beautiful  silk  flag  to  the  Company. 


DEPARTURE    FROM    PALMYRA.  17 

The  16th  of  May  was  designated  as  the  day  for 
its  departure.  Relatives  and  friends  of  the  Volun 
teers,  from  the  surrounding  country,  began  to  make 
their  appearance  early  in  the  day,  and  long  before 
the  hour  of  leaving,  the  streets  were  thronged 
with  people.  The  Company,  now  increased  to 
eighty-two  strong,  was  escorted  to  the  depot  by  the 
Palmyra  Light  Guards,  headed  by  the  Brass  Band. 
Following  next  in  order  were  the  Clergy  of  the 
place,  and  citizens  on  foot  and  in  carriages,  consti 
tuting  a  long  and  imposing  procession.  Flags, 
handkerchiefs  and  bunting  of  every  description  were 
waved  from  the  windows  and  house-tops,  and 
banners  and  emblems,  with  appropriate  mottoes, 
were  displayed  at  the  street  corners,  as  the  proces 
sion  moved  along.  It  was  a  scene  which  the 
spectators  and  participants  will  never  forget.  Ar 
riving  at  the  depot,  James  Peddie,  Esq.,  delivered 
a  farewell  address,  and  the  Company  was  soon  en 
route  for  Elmira. 

Reaching  there  late  in  the  evening,  the  men 
remained  in  the  village  until  the  next  day,  when 
accommodations  were  provided  for  them  at  South- 
port,  some  two  miles  distant.  They  were  quartered 
here  until  the  organization  became  Co.  B  of  the 
Thirty-third  New  York,  when  they  were  transferred 
to  the  barracks. 

COMPANY  C. 

THIS  Company  was  recruited  at  Waterloo,  Seneca 
County.  The  people  throughout  the  village  and 


18  COMPANY    C. 

township  heartily  co-operated  in  the  various  plans 
undertaken  for  raising  volunteers.  War  meetings 
were  held  at  different  places,  from  time  to  time,  and 
a  large  relief  fund  contributed  for  the  benefit  of  all 
such  as  should  enlist. 

Among  those  most  active  in  organizing  this 
Company,  were  Hon.  A.  P.  King,  Hon.  D.  S. 
Kendig,  Messrs.  R.  P.  Kendig,  Win.  Kuox,  Sterling 
G.  Hadley,  Henry  C.  Wells,  E.  H.  Mackey,  Joseph 
Wright,  and  Dr.  Samuel  Wells.  These  gentlemen 
contributed  freely  of  their  funds  and  influence  to  the 
cause. 

Eighty-six  volunteers  came  forward  and  attached 
their  names  to  the  Roll.  The  following  were  chosen 
officers : 

Captain — JOHN  F.  AIKENS. 

First  Lieutenant — CHESTER  H.  COLE. 

Second  Lieutenant — ANDREW  SCIIOTT. 

On  the  26th  of  April  the  Company  \vas  sworn 
into  the  State  service  by  Major  John  Bean,  of 
Geneva,  and  received  the  name  of  the  "  Waterloo 
Wright  Guards,"  in  honor  of  Joseph  Wright,  Esq. 
The  ladies  of  the  village  devoted  several  weeks  to 
preparing  outfits  for  the  men,  who  were  bountifully 
furnished  with  every  thing  conducive  to  a  soldier's 
comfort.  They  likewise  presented  to  the  Company, 
through  S.  G.  Hadley,  Esq.,  a  finely  wrought  silk 
banner.  Rev.  Dr.  Parkes,  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
receiving  it,  assured  them  that  though  torn  and 
tattered  in  the  fierce  encounters  of  battle,  this 
banner  would  never,  he  was  confident,  be  dishonored. 


COMPANY    D.  19 

On  the  30th  of  April  the  men  departed  for  Elinira, 
where  they  were  quartered  in  a  barrel  factory,  and 
afterwards  in  the  barracks. 

COMPANY  D. 

i 

THE  call  for  troops  which  followed  the  commence 
ment  of  hostilities,  received  a  hearty  response  from 
the  inhabitants  of  Canandaigua — the  loveliest  of  our 
western  Villages.  The  Stars  and  Stripes  were  flung 
to  the  breeze  from  the  Old  Court  House,  and  the 
building  turned  into  a  recruiting  station.  Charles 
Sanford  was  the  first  one  to  enroll  his  name.  Ninety- 
three  others  were  added  in  the  course  of  a  few  days 
to  the  list.  On  the  28th  of  April  the  following 
officers  were  elected : 

Captain — J.  R.  CUTLER. 

First  Lieutenant — STEPHEN  T.  DUEL. 

Second  Lieutenant — SAMUEL  A.  BARRAS. 

Gideon  Granger,  Esq.,  Henry  G.  Chesebro  and 
other  prominent  citizens,  interested  themselves  in  the 
Company,  and  aided  materially  in  completing  its 
organization.  The  ladies  .of  the  place,  likewise, 
contributed  very  much  to  the  comfort  and  enjoy 
ment  of  the  men,  by  furnishing  them  with  ample 
supplies  of  clothing,  manufactured  under  the  aus 
pices  of  the  Relief  Society.  The  Company  was 
encamped  on  the  beautiful  and  spacious  Fair 
Grounds,  east  of  the  village,  where  several  hours 
were  devoted  daily  to  drilling.  On  the  10th  of  May 
it  took  its  departure  for  Elmira,  99  strong,  where  it 
became  Co.  D  of  the  Thirty-third. 


20 


COMPANY    E. 

COMPANY  E. 


NSPIRED  with  the  common  feel 
ing  of  patriotism  which  everywhere 
suddenly  manifested  itself  during 
the  month  of  April,  '61,  the  in- 
habitants  of  Geneseo,  Livingston 
County,  immediately  adopted  mea 
sures  for  raising  their  quota  of 
men  for  the  war.  A  public  meet 
ing  was  called  at  the  American 
Hotel,  enrolling  papers  produced, 
and  several  recruits  secured.  A 
second  meeting  was  soon  after  held 
in  the  Town-hall,  and  during  the  week  a  third 
convened  at  the  same  place.  Hon.  Win.  II.  Kelsey, 
Messrs.  E.  R  Hammond,  John  Eorbach,  II.  V. 
Colt  and  Jas.  T.  Norton,  Editor  of  the  Geneseo 
Republican,  were  prominent  movers  in  the  matter. 
A  company  consisting  of  thirty-four  was  immedi 
ately  raised,  and  volunteered  in  response  to  the  call 
for  seventeen  thousand'  troops  from  New  York  State. 
They  were  not  accepted  at  first.  The  organization 
was,  however,  continued,  and  the  men  went  into 
camp  on  the  fair  ground,  tents  being  furnished 
them.  The  Agricultural  Buildings  were  also  placed 
at  their  disposal.  When  the  order  was  issued  at 
Albany  requiring  the  maximum  number  of  eacli 
company  accepted  to  be  seventy-four,  the  list  of 
recruits  was  increased  to  that  figure,  and  the  com 
pany  accepted.  On  the  4th  of  May  it  was  mustered 


COMPANY   F.  21 

into  the  State  Volunteer  service  for  two  years,  by 
Col.  Maxwell.  The  election  for  officers  had  resulted 
as  follows : 

Captain — WILSON  B.  WARFORD.       • 

1st  Lieutenant — MOSES  CHURCH. 

2nd  Lieutenant — JOHN  GTJMMER. 

Large  numbers  of  spectators  were  attracted  to 
the  Fair  Grounds  to  witness  the  drill  of  the  men  in 
infantry  tactics,  to  which  several  hours  were  devoted 
daily.  On  the  ninth  of  May  the  mustering  papers 
were  received  from  Albany,  accompanied  with 
marching  orders.  The  Company  did  not  leave, 
however,  until  the  15th,  nearly  a  week  afterwards. 
Prior  to  its  departure  a  splendid  battle  flag  was 
received  from  Company  A,  Fifty-ninth  Regiment,  N. 
Y.  S.  Militia,  Sidney  Ward,  Esq.,  making  the  pre 
sentation  remarks,  and  Taylor  Scott,  Esq.,  replying 
in  behalf  of  the  Company.  The  citizens  of  the  place 
also  presented  Captain  Warford  with  an  elegant 
silver-mounted  revolver.  Leaving  in  the  morning, 
amidst  much  enthusiasm,  the  Company  reached 
Elmira  on  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  and  soon 
afterward  became  Co.  E,  Thirty-third  1ST.  Y. 

COMPANY  F. 

ON  the  afternoon  of  Friday,  April  19th,  1861,  a 
brief  telegram  was  received  at  the  village  of 
Nunda,  from  Gen.  Fullerton,  inquiring  if  "  lSrunda 
could  furnish  a  Company  under  the  call  of  the 
President  for  75,000  men."  A  meeting  was  im 
mediately  convened  that  evening,  F.  Gibbs,  Esq., 

2A 


22  PATRIOTISM   OF   THE   LADIES. 

presiding.  After  brief  speeches  from  the  Chairman 
and  others,  volunteers  were  called  for  from  among 
the  audience,  mostly  made  up  of  young  men. 
Twenty-eightf  immediately  stepped  forward  and 
entered  their  names  upon  the  enlistment  roll.  On 
the  succeeding  Monday,  Wednesday  and  Saturday 
evenings,  meetings  were  again  held,  and  enough 
more  recruits  secured  to  form  a  Company.  Messrs. 
Skinner,  Dickinson  and  Grover  were  appointed  a 
Committee  to  superintend  its  organization.  The 
citizens  generously  received  volunteers  into  their 
homes,  and  provided  for  them  while  perfecting  them 
selves  in  drill. 

The  ladies  were,  in  the  meantime,  employed 
in  manufacturing  various  articles  for  their  com 
fort  during  the  career  on  which  they  were  about 
to  enter.  A  relief  fund  was  also  raised  for  the 
support  of  such  families  as  would  be  left  dependent. 
On  the  6th  of  May  the  Company  was  mustered  by 
Maj.  Babbitt,  and  the  following  were  elected  officers. 

Captain — JAMES  M.  MC^AIR. 

1st  Lieutenant — GEORGE  T.  HAMILTON. 

2nd  Lieutenant — HENRY  G.  KING. 

Capt.  McNair  immediately  proceeded  to  Albany, 
and  procured  the  acceptance  of  the  officers  and  men, 
the  time  of  their  service  to  date  from  May  13th. 
This  intelligence  was  received  at  Nunda  with  all 
the  enthusiasm  which  would  now  attend  the  recep 
tion  of  the  news  of  a  great  victory. 

The  citizens  turned  out  en  masse  to  witness  and 
participate  in  the  exercises  connected  with  the  depart- 


COMPANY   G.  23 

ure  of  the  Company  for  the  place  of  rendezvous. 
After  music,  prayer  and  the  delivery  of  an  address 
to  the  little  band  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Metcalf,  a  revolver 
was  bestowed  upon  Lieut.  King  by  the  Society  of  B. 
13.  J.,  also  one  on  Sergeant  Hills,  by  Leander  Hills, 
Esq.  Each  member  of  the  Company  was  likewise 
provided  with  a  Testament  by  Rev.  Mr.  Metcalf  and 
John  E.  McNair,  Esq.  Miss  Mary  Linkletter  then 
stepped  forward  and  presented,  on  behalf  of  the 
ladies  of  the  village,  a  silk  flag,  which  was  received 
by  Captain  McXair.  The  brass  band  and  fire 
companies  headed  the  escorting  procession  to  the 
depot.  Reaching  Elmira  on  the  18th  of  May,  the 
men  were  quartered  on  Lake  Street,  and,  011  becom 
ing  Co.  F,  Thirty-third  IS".  Y.,  at  the  barracks. 

COMPANY  G, 

KNOWN  as  the  Buffalo  Company,  was  raised  in 
that  city,  immediately  succeeding  the  fall  of  Sumter. 
Fired  with  the  patriotic  zeal  which  everywhere 
exhibited  itself  during  that  eventful  period,  the 
inhabitants  of  the  city  put  forth  every  exertion  to 
raise  volunteers  for  the  Republic.  Of  the  many 
companies  organized,  none  were  composed  of  better 
material,  or  presented  a  more  martial  appearance, 
than  this.  T.  B.  Hamilton,  Esq.,  who  has  since 
become  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Sixty-Second 
New  York  Regiment,  superintended  its  organization. 
Volunteers  flocked  to  the  recruiting  station,  and  in 
a  few  days  after  the  books  were  opened,  seventy- 
seven  names  were  enrolled.  The  Company  was 


24:  COMPANY    II. 

named  the  Richmond  Guards,  after  Dean  Richmond, 
Esq.,  of  Batavia,  and  received  many  flattering  atten 
tions  from  the  city.  The  requisite  number  of  men 
being  obtained,  the  election  of  officers  was  held, 
which  resulted  as  follows  : 

Captain — T.  B.  HAMILTON. 

First  Lieutenant — A.  E.  EUSTAPHEIVE. 

Second  Lieutenant — I.  Y.  GERMAIN. 

A  few  days  later  it  departed  for  Elmira,  when  it 
became  Co.  G  of  the  Thirty-third. 

COMPANY  H. 

GENEVA  was  not  behind  her  sister  villages  in  that 
display  of  enthusiasm  and  patriotism  which  marked 
the  memorable  days  of  April,  and  through  the 
hitherto  quiet  streets  the  fife  and  drum  were  heard 
summoning  the  young  men  to  arms.  Messrs. 
Calvin  Walker  and  John  S.  Platner  moved  at  once 
in  the  formation  of  a  Yolunteer  Company.  The 
law  office  of  the  first  named  gentleman  was  turned 
into  a  recruiting  station,  and  his  name,  together 
with  Mr.  Platner's,  headed  a  recruiting  roll.  In  a 
week's  time  seventy-seven  volunteers  were  secured, 
and  an  election  held  for  officers,  resulting  as  follows: 

Captain — CALVIN  WALKER. 

1st  Lieutenant — JOHN  S.  PLATNER. 

2nd  Lieutenant — ALEXANDER  II.  DRAKE. 

Proceeding  to  Albany  the  Captain  procured  the 
necessary  organization  papers,  and  by  the  25th  of 
the  month  the  Company  was  mustered  into  the 
State  service  by  Maj.  Bean.  The  ladies,  in  the 


LEAVING   GENEVA.  25 

meantime,  had  formed  a  Soldiers'  Relief  Society,  of 
which  Mrs.  Judge  Folger  was  President,  and  Mrs. 
John  M.  Bradford,  Secretary,  and  met  daily  to  pre 
pare  garments  for  the  men.  All,  or  nearly  all,  of  them 
were  supplied  with  outfits  consisting  of  shirts,  stock 
ings,  blankets,  <fec.,  &c.  Agreeable  to  orders  they 
made  arrangements  to  leave  for  Elmira  on  the  1st 
day  of  May,  but  owing  to  the  unpleasant  weather 
and  other  causes  of  delay,  did  not  get  away  until 
the  3d.  On  the  morning  of  that  day  the  Company 
were  drawn  up  before  the  Franklin  House,  when  a 
tasteful  silk  flag  was  presented  to  it  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Curry,  in  behalf  of  the  ladies  of  the  place,  Capt. 
AValker  responding.  Splendid  swords  were  also 
donated  to  Lieutenants  Platner  and  Drake,  and 
Bibles  and  Testaments  to  both  officers  and  men.  In 
the  afternoon  the  Company  marched  through  the 
principal  streets  of  the  village,  escorted  by  the  Fire 
Department  and  a  lengthy  procession  of  citizens, 
and  proceeded  to  the  steamboat  landing. 

The  wharves  were  crowded  for  a  long  distance 
with  admiring  spectators,  while  the  perfect  shower 
of  bouquets  which  was  rained  down  upon  the  men 
testified  to  the  regard  which  was  entertained  for 
them.  Amid  the  waving  of  handkerchiefs,  display 
of  flags,  and  deafening  cheers  of  their  fellow  towns 
men,  they  steamed  away  from  the  wharf,  while 
the  roar  of  artillery  reverberated  over  the  placid 
waters  of  Seneca  Lake  as  they  disappeared  from 
view.  Reaching  Elmira  on  the  following  day,  the 
men  were  quartered  in  the  town-hall,  where  they 


26  COMPANY    I. 

remained  until  becoming  Co.  H.  of  the  Thirty-third 
N".  Y.,  when  they  were  transferred  to  the  barracks. 
Captain  Walker  being  chosen  Lieut-Colonel  of  the 
Thirty-third,  Lieutenant  Platner  was  promoted  to 
Captain,  Lieutenant  Drake  to  1st  Lieutenant,  and 
S.  C.  Niles  to  2nd  Lieutenant. 

COMPANY  I. 

IMMEDIATELY  after  the  President's  proclamation 
calling  for  75,000  volunteers  reached  Penn  Yan,  a 
meeting  was  called .  at  Washington  Hall.  General 
A.  F.  Whitaker  presided,  and  George  R.  Cornwell 
was  Secretary.  Several  addresses  were  made,  and 
fLe  session  continued  till  a  late  hour.  A  roll  was 
presented,  and  thirty-four  names  obtained. 

On  Thursday  evening,  April  25th,  a  much  larger 
gathering  was  held,  bands  of  music  parading  the 
streets  and  playing  patriotic  airs.  Resolutions  were 
adopted  to  raise  a  company  of  volunteers,  and  re 
cruits  came  forward  freely.  After  the  County 
Union  assembly  on  Saturday,  April  27th,  the 
Finance  Committee  appointed  at  that  meeting, 
Messrs.  E.  B.  Jones,  C.  C.  Sheppard,  D.  A.  Ogden, 
and  F.  Holmes,  circulated  a  subscription  to  raise 
funds  to  provide  for  the  families  of  volunteers. 

On  the  ninth  day  of  May,  1861,  the  Company, 
which  at  this  time  was  known  as  the  "Kenka 
Rifles,'1  was  inspected  by  Major  John  E.  Bean,  of 
Geneva,  and  mustered  into  the  State  service.  On 
the  same  day  an  election  was  held  for  officers,  re 
sulting  as  follows : 


THE    KENKA.   RIFLES.  27 

Captain — JAMES  M.  LETTS. 

First  Lieutenant — EDWARD  E.  ROOT. 

Second  Lieutenant — WILLIAM  H.  LONG. 

The  Company  continued  to  drill  under  its  officers 
until  receiving  orders  to  go  into  camp  at  Elmira,  on 
the  18th  of  May.  On  that  day  the  Company 
departed,  being  escorted  to  the  Railroad  Depot 
by  the  firemen  and  citizens.  A  large  concourse 
was  assembled,  and  the  ladies  of  Penn  Yan  pre 
sented  a  beautiful  flag  to  the  Company,  which 
was  addressed  by  Hon.  D.  A.  Ogden  and  Mr.  E. 
B.  Jones.  Each  member  was  also  presented  with 
a  Testament.  Up  to  this  period  every  effort  had 
been  made  by  the  citizens  of  Penn  Yan  and  vicinity 
to  assist  in  its  organization  and  contribute  to  the 
success  of  the  command.  This  patriotic  zeal  ex 
tended  to  all  classes,  but  to  none  more  than  to  the 
ladies,  who  rendered  every  assistance  and  attention 
to  the  men.  On  their  arrival  at  Elmira  they  were 
quartered  in  Rev.  T.  K.  Beecher's  church,  and 
on  the  24th  May  became  Company  I  of  the  Thir 
ty-third  Regiment  of  New  York  State  Volunteers. 
On  the  3rd  July,  1861,  it  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  by  Captain  Sitgreaves,  and 
from  that  time  its  history  became  identified  with 
that  of  the  Regiment. 

COMPANY  K. 

AMERICANS  will  ever  remember  with  gratitude 
the  patriotism  displayed  by  our  adopted  fellow 
citizens,  during  the  progress  of  the  great  uprising. 


28  COMPANY    K. 

Teuton  and  Celt  alike  manifested  their  devotion  for 
their  adopted  country,  by  rallying  to  the  rescue. 
This  was  true  to  a  remarkable  degree  of  the  Irish 
population. of  Seneca  Falls.  The  call  of  the  Presi 
dent  for  troops  led  to  the  immediate  formation  of 
an  Irish  Company.  Patrick  MeGraw,  who  had 
served  in  Her  Majesty's  service  for  upwards  of  fifteen 
years,  superintended  its  organization,  and  was  after 
wards  chosen  Captain.  He  was  materially  aided  by 
Brig.  Gen.  Miller,  and  Messrs.  John  McFarland  and 
George  Daniels.  On  Sunday  afternoon,  April  llth, 
the  Sabbath  quietude  of  the  village  was  disturbed 
by  the  music  of  bands  and  tramp  of  citizens. 
Every  one  was  on  the  alert,  and  every  eye  turned 
towards  one  point,  the  Catholic  Church,  for  there 
the  organization  of  the  Company  was  to  receive, 
after  Vespers,  the  sanction  and  benediction  of  the 
Catholic  Pastor.  A  procession  was  formed  at  the 
Village  Armory,  composed  of  the  Volunteers,  headed 
by  Capt.  McGraw,  the  Jackson  Guards,  under  the 
command  of  Capt.  O'Neil,  bands  of  music,  arid 
vast  crowds  of  citizens.  At  4  P.  M.  the  procession 
arrived  at  the  Church,  which  was  immediately  filled 
to  its  utmost  capacity.  Union  flags  gracefully  hung 
around  the  sanctuary,  and  the  choir  sang  the  "Star 
Spangled  Banner"  and  the  "  Eed,  White  and  Blue." 
Vespers  ended,  an  address  was  delivered  by  the 
Pastor,  who  urged  loyalty  to  the  Union,  the  defence 
of  a  common  country,  and  the  perpetuation  of  the 
traditional  bravery  of  the  Irish  race. 

Tuesday  afternoon,  May  22d,  1861,  the  Company 


A   GENERAL    HOLIDAY.  29 

prepared  to  leave  for  Elmira.  It  was  a  general 
holiday  in  the  village  and  suburbs.  The  factories 
ceased  work,  stores  were  closed,  bells  rung  out  their 
liveliest  peals,  the  "  Big  Gun"  blazed  away,  and 
every  one  was  on  the  qui  vive.  The  men  were  sup 
plied  with  a  graceful  fatigue  dress,  of  home  manu 
facture.  Equipped  in  their  rakish  caps,  knit  woolen 
shirts  and  dark  grey  pantaloons,  they  marched 
through  the  streets,  accompanied  by  the  Jackson 
Guards,  the  Fire  Companies,  and  many  thousands  of 
loyal  citizens.  On  the  Fair  Grounds  the  Company 
was  presented  with  a  flag,  the  gracious  offering  of 
the  citizens.  The  Captain  received,  on  the  same 
occasion,  a  beautiful  sword,  Rev.  Edward  McGowan 
making  the  presentation  speech. 

The  "  Jackson  Guards"  and  "  Continentals"  ac 
companied  the  men  to  Geneva,  and  escorted  them 
to  the  steamboat  provided  for  conveying  them  to 
Elmira.  At  the  landing,  the  crowds  were  immense, 
and  cheer  after  cheer  went  up  from  the  assemblage 
for  the  Irish  Volunteers,  as  the  boat  steamed  away 
from  the  dock. 

On  reaching  Elmira,  the  men  were  provided  with 
quarters,  and  soon  after  became  attached  to  the 
Thirty-third,  as  Co.  K. 


30  ORGANIZATIONS   OF   REGIMENTS. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Elmira  a  Place  of  Rendezvous. —  Arrival  of  Troops. — Organiza 
tion  of  the  Thirty-third. — A  Beef  Incident. — Presentation  of  a 
Flag. — Mustering  into  the  United  States  Service. 

THE  reader  will  remember  that  Elmira  liad  been 
designated  as  the  point  of  rendezvous  for  volunteers 
from  the  central  and  western  portions  of  the  State. 
Battalions,  Companies  and  squads  nocked  hither 
daily,  and  were  consolidated  into  regiments.  In 
this  manner  the  12th,  13th,  19th,  21st,  23rd,  26th 
and  27th,  among  other  regiments,  were  formed.  The 
plan  and  arrangements  for  consolidation  were  to  a 
certain  extent  left  with  the  various  commands,  each 
one  being  permitted  to  select  and  act  upon  its  own 
regimental  organization. 

On  the  17th  of  May  the  officers  of  eight  of  the 
previously  described  Companies  met  and  decided 
upon  forming  themselves  into  a  regiment,  the  two 
other  Companies  afterwards  joining  them.  On  the 
21st  the  organization  was  rendered  complete  by  the 
election  and  appointment  of  the  following  field  and 
staff  officers : 

Colonel — ROBERT  F.  TAYLOR,  Rochester. 


ORGANIZATION   OF   THE   THIRTY-THIRD.  31 

Lieutenant  Colonel — CALVIN  WALKER,  Geneva. 
Resigned  at  Camp  Lyon. 

Major — ROBERT  J.  MANN,  Seneca  Falls.  Resigned 
at  Camp  Griffin. 

Adjutant — CHARLES  T.  SUTTON,  Xew  York  City. 
Resigned  at  Hagerstown. 

Quarter-Master — H.  L.  SUYDAM,  Geneva.  Re 
signed  at  Camp  Lyon. 

Chaplain — Rev.  G.  N".  CHENEY,  Rochester.  Re 
signed  at  Camp  Lyon. 

Surgeon — T.  RUSH  SPENCER.  Resigned  at  Camp 
Granger. 

Assistant  Surgeon — S.  S.  MULFORD,  Cherry  Valley. 
Resigned  at  Stafford  Court  House. 

The  regiment  was  designated  as  the  Thirty-third 
New  York  State  Volunteers,  and  assigned  to 
barrack  number  five,  at  Southport,  where  it  remain 
ed  until  the  departure  for  Washington. 

The  entire  change  in  the  mode  of  life  occasioned 
some  uneasiness  j  at  first,  on  the  part  of  the  men. 
They  were  not  made  up  of  the  refuse  material  of 
our  large  cities,  "  the  scum  that  rises  uppermost  when 
the  nation  boils,"  but  had  come  from  homes  supplied 
with  every  comfort.  A  few  days,  however,  served 
to  inure  them  to  the  change,  and  they  learned  to 
sleep  soundly  in  the  rude  hammocks,  and  thrive 
on  the  plain  bill  of  fare. 

As  a  general  thing  they  were  supplied  with 
wholesome  and  nutritious  food;  but  an  occasional 
oversight  would  occur,  when,  woe  to  the  unlucky 
purveyor.  On  one  occasion  some  meat  was  sent  to 


02  PRESENTATION    OF    A   BANNER. 

them,  which,  imparting  a  suspicions  odor  to  their 
olfactories,  the  boys  immediately  collected,  and 
bearing  it  away  to  a  prepared  receptacle,  deposited 
the  stuff  with  all  the  funeral  pomp  and  ceremony 
which  formerly  attended  the  burial  of  Euclid  at 
Yale  College.  The  funeral  oration  abounded  in 
not  the  most  complimentary  allusion  to  the  Com 
missariat,  who,  improving  on  the  wholesome  advice 
administered,  ever  afterwards  furnished  the  Regi 
ment  with  beef  that  would  pass  muster. 

The  principal  event  connected  with  the  sojourn 
of  the  Thirty-third  here,  was  the  reception  of  a 
splendid  banner  from  the  patriotic  ladies  of  Canan- 
daigua.  The  Regiment  being  formed  into  a  hollow 
square,  Mrs.  Chesebro,  of  Canandaigua,  stepped  for 
ward  and  presented  the  flag  to  Colonel  Taylor,  in 
the  following  felicitous  remarks  : 

"  Colonel  Taylor,  and  Members  of  the  Ontario 
Regiment :  In  behalf  of  the  wives,  mothers  and 
daughters  of  Canandaigua,  I  ask  your  acceptance  of 
this  Regimental  Banner.  On  the  one  side  is  the 
coat  of  arms  of  our  noble  Empire  State  ;  on  the 
reverse,  the  Seal  of  old  Ontario,  adopted  by  your 
forefathers  shortly  after  the  Revolution,  in  1790. 
And  who — seeing  the  sudden  transformation  of  her 
peaceful  citizens  into  armed  soldiers — can  doubt 
the  loyalty  and  patriotism  of  the  men  of  Ontario  ? 
Soldiers  !  in  assuming  the  name  of  a  time-honored 
county  as  the  bond  of  union  for  this  Regiment,  you 
assume  to  emulate  the  virtues  which  characterized 
the  pioneers  of  civilization  in  Western  New  York, 


COLONEL  TAYLOR'S  RESPONSE.  33 

and  like  them,  let  forbearance  and  moderation 
actuate  your  motives  and  temper  your  zeal.  Let 
the  thought  that  brave  hearts  at  home,  have,  with 
more  than  Roman  heroism,  parted  with  those  most 
dear  to  them,  inspire  each  soul  to  acts  of  courage, 
and  nerve  each  arm  to  deeds  of  daring.  And 
though  '  the  pomp  and  circumstance  of  war'  are, 
to  woman's  timid  nature,  but  other  terms  for  death 
and  desolation,  this  banner  is  the  assurance  of  our 
sympathy  with  the  cause  of  Liberty  and  our  Coun 
try.  Bear  it  forth  with  you  in  the  heat  of  battle, 
where  each  soldier  may  fjx  his  eye  upon  it,  and  if  it 
comes  back  riddled  with  bullets  and  defaced  with 
smoke,  we  shall  know  that  a  traitor  has  answered 
with  his  life  for  every  stain  upon  it.  Bear  it  forth, 
as  you  go,  followed  by  our  best  wishes,  and  our 
earnest  prayers ;  and  may  the  God  of  Battles  pre 
serve  and  bless  you,  and  crown  your  efforts  and 
those  of  all  our  brave  defenders  of  the  stars  and 
stripes  with  speedy  and  signal  victory !  Take  it, 
and  may  God's  blessing  go  with  you  and  it  ?" 

Colonel  Taylor  responded  : 

"Mrs.  Chesebro,  and  Members  of  the  Committee 
from  Canandaigua :  I  thank  you  most  heartily  for 
the  beautiful  gift  which  you  have  presented  to  the 
Thirty- third  Regiment.  It  shall  be  most  gratefully 
prized  as  a  token  of  the  kind  interest  and  loyalty  of 
the  ladies  of  Canandaigua;  and  I  promise  that  it 
shall  never  be  dishonored  or  disgraced.  But,  un 
fortunately,  I  am  not  much  given  to  talking ;  my 
business  lies  in  another  direction ;  and  I  am  willing 


34:  CHAPLAIN   CHENEY'S    SPEECH. 

to  let  the  acts  and  doings  of  the  Ontario  Regiment 
speak  for  me.  I  have  the  pleasure  of  introducing  to 
you  the  Chaplain  of  the  Thirty-third,  the  Eev.  Mr. 
Cheney,  who  will  address  you  more  fully." 

He  then  introduced  Chaplain  Cheney,  who  ad 
dressed  Mrs.  Chesebro  and  the  delegation  accom 
panying  her,  as  follows : 

"  I  think  that  I  hardly  need  an  introduction  to 
those  who  hail  from  Canandaigua;  and  although  I 
might  well  wish  that  the  part  I  now  undertake  to 
discharge,  had  been  conferred  upon  one  better  able 
to  do  justice  to  the  occasion  and  the  theme,  yet, 
belonging  as  I  do  by  birth  and  early  associations  to 
Ontario  County,  the  task  is  to  me  one  of  pleasant 
ness.  And  when  I  strive,  as  I  now  do,  to  return 
most  heartfelt  acknowledgments  to  the  ladies  of 
Canandaigua  for  this  token  of  interest  and  confi 
dence  in  our  Regiment,  I  only  strive  to  utter  the 
sentiment  which  fills  every  soldier's  breast  this 
moment. 

"  It  is  an  old  proverb,  and  one  which  has  been 
more  than  once  graven  on  the  warrior's  shield  "  NOT 
WORDS  BUT  DEEDS,"  and  I  would  be  mindful  of  the 
spirit  of  the  saying;  and  yet  I  hazard  nothing  in 
assuring  the  patriotic  women  of  Canandaigua  that 
they  shall  never  see  the  day  when  they  will  regret 
the  confidence  which  they  have  placed  in  the  men 
of  the  Thirty-third.  It  may  be,  that  in  the  fortunes 
of  war  no  opportunity  will  be  given  them  of  great 
distinction,  and  I  cannot  promise  for  them  that 
under  these  colors  they  shall  win  bloody  fields  and 


35 

achieve  splendid  victories.  I  cannot  promise  in 
their  behalf,  feats  of  arms  which  future  poets  shall 
sing,  and  future  historians  record  ;  but  I  can,  and  I 
do  here  pledge  them,  never,  in  camp  or  in  field,  to 
bring  disgrace  on  this  banner,  nor  on  the  name 
t  ONTARIO'  which  its  folds  display.  I  cannot  prom 
ise  you  a  glorious  and  safe  return  of  this  Banner, 
but  I  think  that  I  can,  in  behalf  of  every  man  in 
these  ranks,  declare  that  death  shall  be  welcome 
sooner  than  its  dishonor.  Storms  may  disfigure  it, 
shot  may  pierce  and  rend  its  silken  folds,  brave  blood 
may  wet  and  stain  its  blue  and  gold,  but  the  men  of 
the  Ontario  Regiment  will  guard  it  with  their  lives; 
and  their  arms  shall  be  nerved,  and  their  souls  in 
spired,  not  only  by  the  love  of  their  imperilled 
country,  but  also  by  the  remembrance  of  the  con 
fidence  and  expectation  which  the  gift  implies. 
They  will  guard  it.  They  will  fight  for  it,  not 
only  because  it  is  entrusted  to  their  keeping  by 
loyal  women,  but  also  because  it  comes  to  them 
from  that  beautiful  old  town  which  never  yet  has 
been  dishonored  by  a  traitor-son,  but  which  has 
been  famous  in  all  the  land  as  the  home  of  Spencer, 
and  Ho  well,  and  Sibley,  and  Worden,  and  Granger, 
and  others  whose  names  are  part  of  the  history  of 
our  State  and  Country. 

"  Perhaps  we  do  not  appreciate  the  part  that 
woman  bears  in  every  great  struggle  for  national 
existence.  We  are  too  apt  to  consider  all  as  achieved 
by  the  work  and  sacrifice  of  men.  And  yet,  noble 
and  heroic  as  they  are  who  go  forth  to  battle  for  the 


36  INFLUENCE   OF   LOYAL    WOMEN. 

right — not  less  noble  and  heroic  are  their  loved  ones, 
mothers,  sisters,  wives,  who  give  them  up  in  the 
hour  of  need,  and  who  at  home,  without  surround 
ing  excitements  to  sustain  them,  without  any  pros 
pect  of  renown  to  reward  them,  watch,  labor  and 
pray  to  the  God  of  Hosts  in  behalf  of  that  cause 
for  which  they  have  bravely  but  tearfully  risked 
their  heart's  dearest  treasures.  "Who  can  estimate 
the  influence  of  loyal  women  in  our  country's 
present  struggle  ?  Not  the  less  potent  ir  that  it  is  for 
the  most  part  unobtrusive  and  beneath  the  surface ; 
an  influence  manifested  not  in  bloody  smiting,  but 
in  humble  labors  to  alleviate  the  necessities  and 
miseries  of  war,  in  words  and  acts  of  inspiring 
encouragement. 

"Bear,  then,  to  the  ladies  of  Canandaigua  our 
heartfelt  gratitude.  Tell  them  that  their  trust  shall 
not  be  dishonored.  Tell  them  that  their  gift  shall 
not  be  in  vain,  but  that  by  its  influence,  cheering  on 
our  men  to  true  and  loyal  heroism,  it  will  be  grate 
fully  remembered  and  cherished  as  one  of  the  powers 
and  instrumentalities  by  which,  we  trust  to  God, 
that  ere  long  from  the  rock-ribbed  coast  of  Maine  to 
the  Keys  of  Florida, 

'The  Star  Spangled  Banner  in  triumph  shall  wave, 
O'er  the  Land  of  the  Free  and  the  Home  of  the  Brave.'  " 

The  Elmira  Cornet  Band  then  discoursed  a  patri 
otic  air,  after  which  the  Regiment  returned  to  the 
barracks  and  partook  of  a  sumptuous  repast,  provided 
by  the  citizens  of  Elmira. 

This  beautiful  banner,  which  has  ever  been  the 


TROOPS    MOVING   TO   THE   CAPITAL.  37 

pride  of  the  Regiment,  was  made  of  the  finest  blue 
silk,  bearing  upon  one  side  the  Coat-of-Arms  of  the 
State  of  Xew  York,  and  on  the  reverse  the  Seal  of 
the  County  of  Ontario,  adopted  in  1790.  Over  this 
seal  appeared  in  bold  gilt  letters,  the  words :  "  On 
tario  County  Volunteers."  Surmounting  the  staff 
was  a  highly  finished  carved  Eagle,  with  spread 
pinions — the  whole  forming  one  of  the  most  elegant 
battle-flags  ever  wrought  by  fair  hands. 

Six  hours  were  allotted  each  day  to  drilling, 
though,  owing  to  the  absence  of  arms,  the  men  were 
confined,  during  the  entire  time  of  sojourn  at 
Elmira,  to  the  rudimentary  principles  of  the  manual. 
Books,  newspapers,  and  other  reading  material,  pur 
chased  and  contributed  by  various  benevolent  asso 
ciations,  whiled  away  many  hours  which  would 
otherwise  have  hung  heavily. 

Meanwhile  our  forces  were  being  massed  on  the 
Potomac,  and  the  men  became  anxious  to  depart  for 
the  seat  of  war.  They  had  enlisted  to  fight  the 
rebels  at  once,  and,  unexperienced  as  they  were 
in  military  matters,  could  not  understand  the 
necessity  of  devoting  so  much  time  to  preparation. 
Not  that  they  chafed  under  discipline,  but  longed  to 
be  up  and  at  the  miscreants  who  had  dared  to  fire 
011  their  country's  flag,  and  were  then  menacing 
its  capital. 

Friday,  July  3d,  the  Regiment  was  drawn  up  in 
front  of  the  barracks,  and  Captain  Sitgreaves,  a 
regular  officer,  proceeded  to  muster  it  by  companies 
into  the  United  States'  service  for  two  years,  dating 


38        FURLOUGHS  GRANTED  TO  THE  MEN. 

from  May  22d,  the  time  at  which  it  was  organized. 
All  those  who  desired  to  do  so,  were  permitted  to 
visit  their  homes  on  the  4th,  with  the  understanding 
that  they  should  return  immediately.  Arms  and 
equipments  were  for  the  first  time  furnished  on  the 
6th  and  7th,  and  preparations  made  for  an  immedi 
ate  departure  to  Washington,  via  Ilarrisburg.  A 
long  train  of  freight  and  cattle  cars  were  drawn  up 
to  receive  the  men,  but  Col.  Taylor  declined  to 
"  embark"  his  command  in  any  such  vehicles, 
and  passenger  cars  were  furnished  in  their  stead. 


DEPARTURE    FOR    WASHINGTON.  39 


CHAPTEE  III. 

Departure  for  Washington. — Patriotism  of  the  Williamsport  Ladies. 
— Arrival  at  the  Capital. — Camp  Granger. — Destroying  a  Liquor 
Establishment. — "  Cleaning-out"  a  Clam  Peddler. — Review  by 
Governor  Morgan. — First  Death  in  the  Regiment. — First  Battle 
of  Bull  Run. — Changes  among  the  Officers. 

ABOUT  noon  on  Tuesday,  the  8th,  the  Companies 
marched  down  to  the  depot,  preceded  by  the  Elmira 
Cornet  Band,  which  had  been  attached  to  the  Regi 
ment.  Two  hours  later  they  moved  away,  amidst 
tremendous  cheering  from  the  assembled  multitude, 
waving  of  handkerchiefs,  throwing  of  bouquets,  &c. 

On  reaching  Williamsport,  Pa.,  the  ladies  of 
the  place  crowded  around  the  cars,  showering 
oranges,  apples,  cakes  and  other  edibles  upon 
the  men,  filling  their  canteens  with  coffee,  and  in 
other  ways  displaying  their  patriotism  and  hospi 
tality.  They  will  long  be  held  in  grateful  remem 
brance  by  the  Regiment.  Passing  through  Harris- 
burg  the  train  reached  Baltimore  about  noon,  the 
men  marching  through  the  streets  with  fixed 
bayonets  to  the  Washington  Depot. 

When  within  about  fifteen  miles  of  Baltimore, 
some  fifty  of  the  officers  and  men,  who  had  gone  in 
search  of  water  on  the  stoppage  of  the  train,  were 


40  CAMP    GRANGER. 

left,  much  to  their  own  chagrin  and  the  amusement 
of  the  Hegiment.  Arriving  in  Washington  at  three 
o'clock  P.M.,  the  Companies  formed  and  proceeded 
down  Pennsylvania  Avenue  to  the  various  quar 
ters  assigned  them.  It  rained  fiercely  that  afternoon, 
and  they  were  glad  enough  to  get  under  shelter, 
without  wniting  to  gratify  their  curiosity  by  an 
inspection  of  the  Capitol  buildings. 

The  next  day,  Wednesday,  they  were  marched  out 
on  Seventh  Street,  two  and  one-half  miles  from  the 
city,  to  the  spot  designated  for  their  encampment, 
which  was  named  "  Camp  Granger,"  in  honor  of  Gen. 
John  A.  Granger,  Esq.,  of  Canandaigua,  who  had 
interested  himself  much  in  behalf  of  the  Regiment. 
This  was  the  first  experience  of  most  of  the  men  in 
the  art  of  castramentation,  and  many  were  the  droll 
incidents  which  occurred  in  connection  with  the 
pitching  of  the  tents.  After  repeated  trials,  how 
ever,  they  were  all  satisfactorily  adjusted. 

The  habitations  completed,  drilling  was  the  next 
thing  in  order,  which,  together  with  target-shooting, 
scouting,  and  mock  skirmishing,  was  kept  up  from 
day  to  day.  The  first  lessons  in  "  guard  running" 
were  learned  here,  many  of  the  men  managing  to 
escape  to  the  city,  under  cover  of  night,  and  return 
without  detection  before  the  sounding  of  the  morning 
reveille.  As  a  general  thing  they  were  temperate 
and  abstemious  in  their  habits,  manifesting  their 
disrelish  for  ardent  spirits,  by  destroying  on  one 
occasion  a  liquor  establishment  which  had  been 
opened  on  the  grounds.  There  were  some,  however, 


FIRST    DEATH    IN   THE   REGIMENT.  43 

who,  thinking  it  necessary  to  partake  of  their 
"  bitters,"  would  smuggle  liquor  into  camp,  bring 
ing  it  in  in  their  gun  barrels,  or  by  some  other  ingen 
ious  means. 

One  afternoon  a  clam  peddler  was  so  imprudent  as 
to  leave  his  wagon  for  a  few  moments  within  the 
camp  enclosure.  A  mischievous  member  of  Com 
pany  —  observing  this,  cautiously  removed  the  end 
board,  and,  mounting  the  driver's  seat,  started  the 
horse  off  at  a  rapid  pace,  scattering  the  bivalves 
along  the  ground  in  front  of  the  tents  for  several 
rods.  All  the  boys  were  heartily  regaled  on  clam 
soup  that  night,  greatly  to  the  discomfiture  of  the 
peddler,  who  ever  afterwards  steered  clear  of  the 
Thirty-third.  Many  other  incidents  of  a  similar 
character  served  to  relieve  the  monotony  of  camp 
life. 

Governor  Morgan  inspected  the  Regiment  on  one 
occasiofl.  Sickness,  arising  from  change  of  climate 
and  damp  weather,  had  thinned  out  the  ranks 
to  some  extent,  but  they  made  a  fine  appearance 
while  passing  in  review  before  him,  and  the 
Governor  expressed  himself  highly  pleased  with 
their  morale  and  general  condition.  Frequent  visits 
were  received  from  members  of  the  Sanitary  Com 
mission,  who  made  contributions  of  various  articles 
from  time  to  time. 

The  first  death  in  the  Regiment  occurred  here. 
E.  Backerstose,  a  member  of  Company  H,  was 
killed  by  the  accidental  discharge  of  his  gun.  The 
remains  were  forwarded,  in  charge  of  some  of  his 

/  O 

comrades,  to  Geneva,  where  his  parents  resided. 


44  THE   FIRST   BATTLE   OF   BULL   RUN. 

It  was  while  tlie  Regiment  was  encamped  at 
Camp  Granger  that  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run 
was  fought,  July  21st.  From  sunrise  until  sunset, 
through  the  long  hours  of  that  memorable  Sabbath 
day,  the  booming  of  cannon  could  be  distinctly 
heard  in  the  distance.  Every  rumor  that  reached 
the  city  was  conveyed  to  and  circulated  through 
the  camp,  producing  the  most  feverish  excitement 
on  the  part  of  the  men,  and  an  eager  desire  to  cross 
over  the  Potomac  and  participate  in  the  conflict. 
Towards  evening  it  appeared  as  if  their  wishes  were 
to  be  gratified,  the  Thirty-third,  together  with  seve 
ral  other  regiments,  receiving  marching  orders.  All 
sprang  with  alacrity  to  their  places,  and  moved  off  in 
the  direction  of  Long  Bridge.  On  reaching  the  Treas 
ury  Department,  however,  the  orders  were  counter 
manded,  and  the  men  returned  to  camp,  uncertain 
of  the  fortunes  of  the  day,  fearful  of  what  the  morrow 
would  bring  forth.  • 

What  followed  the  unhappy  termination  of  the 
engagement  at  Manassas  is  familiar  to  every  one. 
The  Thirty-third  shared  in  the  universal  gloom 
which  for  a  time  settled,  down  upon  the  nation. 
Instead,  however,  of  occasioning  despondency  and 
despair,  the  Bull  Run  defeat  furnished  an  addi 
tional  incentive  to  action,  and  the  soldiers  impa 
tiently  bided  their  time.  Captain  Aikens,  of  Com 
pany  C,  resigned  here,  and  was  succeeded  by  First 
Lieutenant  Chester  H.  Cole.  Lieutenant  Schott, 
Company  C,  was  succeeded  by  L.  C.  Mix,  Commis 
sary  Sergeant ;  John  Connor,  of  Company  E,  and 
William  Riker,  died  of  disease. 


REMOVAL   TO   VICINITY   OF   CHAIN    BRIDGE.  45 


CHAIN  BRIDGE. 

CHAPTEK  IT. 

Removal  to  Vicinity  of  Chain  Bridge. — Upsetting  of  Ambulances. 
— The  Regiment  Brigaded. — Frequent  Alarms  and  Reconnois- 
sances. —  Reviewed  by  General  McClellan. — Crossing  of  the 
Potomac. —  Forts  Marcy  and  Ethan  Allen.  —  Formation  of 
Divisions.— Colonel  Stevens. — First  Skirmish  with  the  Enemy 
at  Lewinsviile  Camp. — General  Brooks. — General  Davidson. — 
The  Seventy -seventh  New  York  added  to  the  Brigade. — A 
Novel  Wedding  in  Camp. — Circulating  a  Temperance  Pledge. 
— Battle  of  Drainesville. 

THURSDAY,  July  6th,  the  Regiment  broke  camp, 
and  proceeding  through  Georgetown,  along  the 
River  Road,  took  up  a  new  position  near  the  Reser 
voir,  about  one-half  of  a  mile  from  Chain  Bridge. 

This   spot    had    previously  been    designated    as 

3A 


4:6  CAMP    LYON. 

Camp  Lyon,  after  the  lamented  hero  of  Springfield, 
Mo.  Two  heavy  four-horse  ambulances,  containing 
the  sick,  were  accidentally  precipitated  down  a  steep 
embankment,  while  moving  to  the  new  camp. 
Fortunately  no  one  was  killed,  though  several  were 
severely  injured.  The  baggage  wagons  did  not 
come  up  the  first  night,  and  the  men  were  compel 
led  to  sleep  in  the  open  air,  without  blankets.  A 
report  being  brought  in  that  the  rebels  were  ad 
vancing  on  the  Maryland  side  of  the  river,  a  detach 
ment  of  one  hundred  men,  consisting  of  ten  from 
each  Company,  started  out  on  a  reconnoissance 
about  one  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Discovering  no 
signs  of  the  enemy,  however,  the  force  returned  at 
daylight. 

The  Thirty-third  was  here  for  the  first  time 
brigaded,  being  placed,  together  with  the  Third 
Vermont  and  6th  Maine,  under  the  command  of 
Colonel,  since  General,  W.  F.  Smith.  The  Second 
Vermont  was  afterwards  attached  to  the  Brigade. 
The  time  was  principally  employed  in  drilling, 
constructing  rifle-pits,  and  a  redoubt  mounting 
three  guns.  There  were  repeated  alarms  during 
the  stay  here. 

On  one  occasion  word  was  received  from  General 
McClellan  that  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  Potomac 
in  large  force,  and  were  advancing  upon  the  city. 
General  Smith  immediately  ordered  out  his  com 
mand,  posting  the  Thirty-third  behind  a  stone  wall, 
where  they  remained  until  the  returning  cavalry 
scouts  reported  the  alarm  to  be  false.  During  the 


LEWINSVILLE FALSE   ALARMS.  49 

latter  part  of  the  month  one  Company  crossed  the 
Long  Bridge,  on  a  reconnoissance,  with  a  section  of 
artillery  and  fifty  cavalry,  and  proceeding  on  the 
Falls  Church  road,  thence  to  Lewinsville,  drove 
the  rebel  cavalry  pickets  to  their  camp  at  Vienna, 
arrested  a  prominent  secessionist,  and  returned  by 
way  of  Langley,  reaching  camp  at  sunset. 

General  McClellan,  accompanied  by  President 
Lincoln,  Secretaries  Seward,  Chase  and  Cameron, 
reviewed  the  Brigade  on  the  29th  of  August. 

The  following  changes  took  place  while  here : 
Henry  N".  Alexander  appointed  Quarter  -  Master, 
vice  H.  S.  Suydam,  resigned. 

Sylvanus  Mulford,  promoted  to  full  Surgeon,  vice 
T.  R.  Spencer,  promoted  to  Brigade  Surgeon. 

Patrick  Ryan,  2nd  Lieutenant  of  Company  K, 
resigned,  succeeded  by  Edward  Cary,  who  was  im 
mediately  detailed  to  General  Smith's  staff. 

Peter  Weissgreber,  Co.  G,  died  in  camp. 

On  the  3rd  of  September  a  detachment  of  fifty- 
two  men,  from  Companies  C  and  D,  crossed  the 
river,  and  proceeding  as  far  as  Langley,  threw  out 
skirmishers  to  the  right  and  left  of  the  road.  Dur 
ing  the  afternoon  an  alarm  was  created  by  the 
pickets  coming  upon  General  Porter's,  stationed 
further  to  the  left,  who  were  mistaken  for  rebels. 
They  were  all  immediately  withdrawn,  with  the 
exception  of  three  members  of  Company  D,  who 
refused  to  leave,  in  their  eagerness  to  get  a  shot  at 
the  supposed  grey-backs.  This  mistake  provoked 
considerable  merriment,  although  it  resulted  very 


50  CAMP   ADVANCE. 

unfortunately  in  the  shooting  of  the  most  valuable 
spy  in  the  employ  of  the  government,  who  im 
prudently  ventured  beyond  the  line  of  skirmishers. 

About  eleven  o'clock  on  the  same  evening  the 
entire  Brigade  crossed  over  the  Long  Bridge.  On 
reaching  the  Virginia  shore  the  Thirty-third  tiled 
off  in  the  fields  at  the  left,  Companies  A,  F  and 
D  being  deployed  in  front,  as  skirmishers,  for  a 
mile  or  more.  The  remainder  of  the  Regiment  lay 
upon  their  arms  all  night,  with  the  exception  of  a 
small  party  employed  in  cutting  away  timber  which 
interfered  with  the  artillery  range. 

Other  troops,  to  the  number  of  ten  thousand, 
likewise  crossed  over  that  night,  and  eighteen 
hundred  axes  were  immediately  set  to  work  in 
felling  the  dense  forest  of  half-grown  pines,  where 
forts  Marcy  and  Ethan  Allen  now  stand.  This 
location  was  christened  Camp  Advance.  Numer 
ous  fortifications  were  constructed,  and  in  three 
days'  time  heavy  siege  guns  mounted.  The  troops 
always  slept  upon  their  arms,  ready  to  repel  an 
attack  at  a  moment's  notice.  One  night  a  severe 
rain  storm  washed  several  of  the  knapsacks  belong 
ing  to  the  Thirty-third  into  a  gully  running  near 
by,  filled  the  band  instruments  with  water,  and 
drenched  through  to  the  skin  all  who  were  not 
provided  with  shelter.  The  arrival  of  tents  on  the 
15th  occasioned  much  joy  among  the  men. 

During  the  same  day  the  aeronauts  reported  the 
enemy  as  moving  in  large  numbers,  and  the  entire 
army  slept  on  their  arms.  The  "  movement" 


FIRST   SKIRMISH   WITH   THE    ENEMY.  53 

proved  to  be  merely  a  raid  for  the  purpose  of  de 
stroying  "  Hall's  House,"  and  property  belonging 
to  other  Unionists.  Lieutenants  Mix  and  Gifford 
were  sent  north  from  here  on  recruiting  service,  and 
D'Estaing  Dickinson,  of  Watertown,  was  appointed 
Assistant  Surgeon. 

'  Hitherto  the  army  had  been  organized  into 
Brigades  simply.  Divisions  were  now  formed,  and 
the  Thirty-third  was  attached  to  the  Third  Brigade, 
commanded  by  the  lamented  Colonel  Stevens,  and 
consisting  of  the  Forty-ninth  and  Seventy-ninth 
N".  Y.  and  Forty-seventh  Pa.  General  Smith  was 
appointed  commander  of  the  Division.  This  change 
consummated,  Camp  Advance  was  abandoned  for 
Camp  Ethan  Allen,  which  was  taken  possession  of 
September  24th.  The  men  were  employed  in 
working  on  Fort  Allen,  slashing  timber,  performing 
picket  duty,  &c.,  &c.  A  visit  from  the  Paymaster 
was  made  here,  who  distributed  several  months'  pay 
among  the  troops.  Colonel  Stevens,  in  a  special 
order,  prohibited  profanity  in  his  command. 

It  was  while  lying  at  Camp  Ethan  Allen  that 
the  Thirty-third  engaged  in  its  first  skirmish  with 
the  enemy. 

On  the  morning  of  September  29th,  Smith's  entire 
Division  moved  up  the  Lewinsville  Turnpike,  to 
attack,  as  was  generally  supposed,  the  rebel  force  at 
Vienna.  On  arriving,  however,  at  Makell's  Hill, 
between  Langley  and  Lewinsville,  the  men  were 
formed  in  line  of  battle,  and  Mott's  battery  planted  in 
front,  supported  by  the  Thirty-third.  Other  batteries 


54:  BOOTY    SECURED. 

were  also  unlimbered,  and  placed  in  position.     Co. 
B.,  together  with  twenty-five  New  Hampshire  sharp 
shooters,  were  deployed  in  front  as  skirmishers.     Af 
ter  firing  a  few  shots  —  from  Mott's  hattery  —  at  and 
dispersing  a  squad  of  rebel  cavalry  in  the  distance, 
the  force  moved  forward  to  the  edge  of  a  dense  pine 
forest.     Taking  seven  men  with  him,  Lieut.  Draime* 
proceeded  through  the  thicket,  to  reconnoitre  the 
country  beyond,  and  was,  not  long  after,  followed  by 
the  entire  Company,  under  Captain  Corning.     Sev 
eral  herd   of  cattle   were   captured,   and   a    large 
amount  of  booty  secured,  at  the  residence  of  Cap 
tain   Ball,  the   rebel    cavalryman   who    was   taken 
prisoner  at  Alexandria,  and  afterwards  violated  his 
parole.     Great   numbers   of   wagons   were    in   the 
meantime  sent  out,  in  various  directions,  to  secure 
forage.      Yery  suddenly,  however,  the  rebels  open 
ed  a  warm  artillery  fire  along  the  whole  line,  which 
was    responded  to  by  our  batteries.     Many  of  the 
enemy's   missiles   struck   among    the   Thirty-third, 
but  fortunately  no  one  of  the  regiment  was  injured 
during    the   entire    skirmish.      Seeing   Lieutenant 
Draime  and   his  men  at   the  Ball   residence,  they 
shelled  them  furiously,  but  did  not  prevent   their 
carrying  off  a  good   supply   of  honey,  which   was 
highly  relished  by  them  and  their  comrades. 

Having  obtained  a  large  amount  of  spoil,  the  whole 
force  returned  to  camp.  Lieut.  Col.  Walker  resigned 
at  Camp  Ethan  Allen,  and  Capt.  Corning  was 
appointed  to  his  place.  He  was  succeeded  by  Lieut. 
White,  and  he,  in  turn,  by  2d  Lieut.  Drairne. 


CAMP    GRIFFIN.  57 

On  the  10th  of  October,  the  whole  Division  again 
moved  out  to  Makell's  Hill,  and  formed  in  line  of 
battle,  skirmishers  being  thrown  out  in  front.  Af 
ter  remaining  here  several  hours,  the  force  fell  back 
to  Langley,  and  from  there  proceeded  east  on  the 
Kirby  road  to  u  Big  Chestnut."  In  the  afternoon  of 
the  next  day  they  advanced  half  a  mile  further,  and 
went  into  camp,  at  what  has  since  been  known  as 
"  Camp  Griffin,"  where  the  Thirty-third  remained 
until  the  final  advance  was  made. 

On  the  second  day  after  locating  here,  sixty  men, 
under  command  of  Capt.  Platner,  proceeded  on  a 
reconnoissance  beyond  the  picket  line,  and  falling  in 
with  some  rebel  cavalry,  killed  two  of  the  number; 
Lieut.  White  shooting  one  of  them  dead.  The  flee 
ing  enemy  were  pursued  until  they  reached  the 
cover  of  a  dense  thicket,  when,  being  strongly  rein 
forced,  they  turned  upon  the  pursuing  party,  who 
escaped  back  in  safety  to  camp  by  closely  following 
the  sinuous  windings  of  the  Virginia  rail  fences. 

On  the  same  afternoon  Co.  E.  had  a  skirmish  with 
the  rebel  cavalry,  killing  several  of  them  in  the 
woods  where  they  were  engaged.  Some  of  the 
other  Companies  hastened  to  its  support,  but  did  not 
reach  the  ground  in  time  to  participate  in  the  melee. 
This  was  the  last  of  the  picket  firing  before  "Wash 
ington.  The  men  were  employed  here  in  drilling, 
"  slashing,"  reviews,  sham-fights,  and  picket  duty. 
Frequently  they  proceeded  out  on  picket  at  two  or 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  the  mud  was 
knee-deep,  often  remaining  for  thirty  hours  or  more 
without  being  relieved. 


58  GENERAL    DAVIDSON. 

During  the  month  of  October,  Col.  Stevens  left 
for  the  south,  taking  the  Seventy-ninth  Highlanders 
with  him.  Col.  Taylor  assumed  command  of  the 
Brigade,  until  Gen.  Brennan  was  sent  to  take  charge 
of  it.  Not  long  after  he  was  likewise  ordered  south. 
The  Forty-seventh  Pennsylvania  accompanied  him, 
the  Eighty-sixth  New  York  taking  its  place.  Gen. 
Brooks  now  commanded  the  Brigade  for  a  few  days, 
at  the  end  of  which  time  General  Davidson,  a 
loyal  Virginian,  from  Fairfax  County,  was  placed 
over  it.  Previous  to  the  outbreak  he  had  been  a 
Major  in  the  regular  cavalry  service,  and  was  a  brave 
and  popular  officer.  He  rode  a  spirited  mustang, 
presented  to  him  by  Kit  Carson,  while  serving  on 
the  western  frontier.  The  Eighty-sixth  New  York 
was  soon  sent  back  to  Casey's  Division,  and  the  Sev 
enty-seventh,  raised  in  the  vicinity  of  Saratoga,  suc 
ceeded  it.  As  an  instance  of  the  great  cutting  down 
of  the  impedimenta  of  our  armies,  this  regiment  then 
employed  one  hundred  and  five  double  wagons  for 
transportation,  where  only  five  are  now  used  for 
that  purpose.  The  same  can  be  said  of  most  of 
the  commands. 

A  novel  wedding  came  oif  one  night  at  the  Chap 
lain's  quarters,  the  happy  couple  being  a  private  and 
a  laundress  belonging  to  Company  C.  The  affair 
was  conducted  with  all  the  ceremony  the  circum 
stances  of  the  case  would  permit  of,  and  to  the  satis 
faction  of  the  guests,  who  were  regaled  with  wedding 
cake,  wine,  and  other  refreshments,  decidedly  pala 
table  after  the  long  experience  on  "  hard  tack." 


A   WEDDING   IN   CAMP.  59 

While  the  after-festivities  were  happily  progressing, 
the  fortunate  bridegroom  suddenly  brought  them  to 
a  close  by  grasping  the  hand  of  his  "  fair  one,"  and 
disappearing  in  the  direction  of  his  domicile,  with  a 
general  invitation  to  "  call  round."  The  wife  re 
mained  with  her  husband  until  the  battle  of  Antie- 
tam,  when,  he  being  wounded,  they  both  departed 
for  the  North. 

About  $400  were  contributed  by  the  various  Com 
panies  for  a  chapel-tent  and  reading-room.  A  tem 
perance  pledge,  circulated  among  the  men,  was 
signed  by  a  large  number,  many  of  whom  have 
kept  it  until  this  time.  On  the  day  of  the  battle  of 
Drainesville,  the  long  roll  beat,  and  the  Brigade  pro 
ceeded  out  to  "  Freedom  Hill,"  where  it  was  drawn 
up  in  line  of  battle  to  intercept  the  rebels,  should 
they,  in  case  of  a  defeat,  attempt  to  escape  in  that 
direction.  The  enemy  not  appearing,  the  Regiments 
returned  to  camp  at  sunset. 

At  the  time  of  the  Ball's  Bluff  affair  they  were 
furnished  with  three  days'  rations  preparatory  to 
again  moving,  but  were  not  called  out. 


60         GENERAL    M'CLELLAN    REVIEWS    THE    ARMY. 


CHAPTER  Y. 

Grand  Review  of  the  Army,  at  Bailey's  Cross  Roads. — Pleasant 
Acquaintances  formed. — Changes  and  Deaths  at  Camp  Griffin. — 
Dissatisfaction  at  the  General  Inactivity. — President's  War  Or 
ders. — Gen.  McClellan's  Plans  and  Correspondence  with  the  Pres 
ident. 

THE  grand  review  by  Gen.  McClellan  took  place 
while  the  Thirty-third  was  encamped  at  Camp  Grif 
fin  ;  the  troops,  over  seventy  thousand,  were  assem 
bled  at  Bailey's  Cross-Roads,  early  in  the  day,  to 
await  the  arrival  of  their  Chief.  Towards  noon 
Gen.  McClellan  appeared,  accompanied  by  the  Pres 
ident  and  other  distinguished  personages,  and  as  the 
party  rode  along  in  front  of  the  line,  cheer  after 
cheer  rent  the  air.  Having  assumed  a  stationary 
position  on  an  elevated  spot,  the  various  commands 
passed  in  review  before  them.  The  day  was  mild 
and  beautiful,  the  roads  in  good  condition,  men  in 
fine  spirits,  and  the  review  presented  a  most  impos 
ing  spectacle,  surpassing  anything  of  the  kind  ever 
before  witnessed  in  America.  Surgeon  Dickerson 
was  unfortunately  thrown  from  his  horse  by  a  colli 
sion  on  this  occasion,  receiving  a  severe  concussion. 
The  Surgeon  attending  pronounced  the  case  a  frac 
ture  of  the  skull  producing  compression  of  the  brain, 
when  a  Herald  attache,  standing  by,  added :  "  died 


CHANGES    IN   THE    KEGIMENT.  61 

in  a  few  moments,"  and  a  telegram  was  published  to 
that  effect  in  the  Herald  of  the  following  day. 

During  their  stay  here,  the  officers  and  men 
made  the  acquaintance  of  several  interesting  fam 
ilies  in  the  vicinity.  Among  them  was  the  "  Wood- 
worths,"  residing  on  the  picket  line.  Mr.  W.,  who 
originally  moved  from  Oswego  County,  New  York, 
had  suffered  much  at  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Af 
ter  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run,  the  rebels  entered 
his  house,  robbing  it  of  many  valuables,  and  con 
ducted  him  to  Richmond,  where  he  was  imprisoned. 
Being  released  in  the  following  October,  he  returned 
to  find  his  once  happy  home  nearly  in  ruins.  The 
officers  spent  many  pleasant  hours  in  the  society  of 
his  entertaining  daughters,  and  in  listening  to  the 
old  man's  narrative  of  the  wrongs  inflicted  upon 
him  for  his  Union  sentiments.  All  the  members  of 
the  family  apparently  vied  with  each  other  in  their 
efforts  to  render  the  sojourn  of  the  Thirty- third  in 
that  locality  as  pleasant  as  possible. 

The  following  changes  occurred  at  Camp  Griffin : 
Major  Robert  II.  Mann  resigned;  succeeded  by 
John  S.  Platner,  Captain  Co.  H,  who  in  turn  was 
succeeded  by  First  Lieutenant  A.  H.  Drake.  Chap 
lain  George  N.  Cheney  resigned ;  succeeded  by  Rev. 
A.  H.  Lung,  Pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church 
Canandaigua.  John  R.  Cutler,  Captain  Co.  D,  suc 
ceeded  by  Henry  J.  Gifford,  1st  Lieutenant,  trans 
ferred  from  the  Thirteenth  New  York.  Samuel  A. 
Barras,  2d  Lieutenant  Co.  D,  resigned,  George  T. 
Hamilton,  1st  Lieutenant  Co.  F,  resigned.  Henjy 


62  INACTIVITY   OF   CUE   ARMIES. 

G.  King,  promoted  from  2d  to  1st  Lieutenant  Co. 
F,  vice  G.  T.  Hamilton,  resigned.  Henry  A.  Hills, 
promoted  to  2d  Lieutenant,  from  1st  Sergeant,  vice 
H.  G.  King,  promoted.  George  W.  Brown,  promo 
ted  from  ranks  to  1st  Lieutenant  Co.  D,  vice  II. 
J.  Gilford,  promoted.  Jefferson  Bigelow,  promoted 
from  1st  Sergeant  to  2d  Lieutenant  Co.  D,  vice  S. 
A.  Barras,  resigned.  John  W.  Corning,  appointed 
2d  Lieutenant  Co.  B,  vice-  H.  J.  Draime,  promoted. 

Prior  to  his  departure,  the  Chaplain  was  presented 
with  an  elegant  gold  watch,  as  a  testimonial  of  the 
regard  entertained  for  him. 

The  following  deaths  occurred  from  disease : 

Company  B,  David  Hart ;  Company  C,  Corporal 
George  A.  Langdon ;  Company  C,  Pierre  Outry ; 
Company  E,  Peter  Zimmer ;  Company  F,  George  E. 
Prentice ;  Company  F,  Gardner  Bacon ;  Company 
F,  Irwin  Yan  Brunt ;  Company  G,  Patrick  Conner ; 
Company  G,  Wm.  Cooper ;  Company  H,  James  II. 
Gates ;  Company  I,  Archibald  Coleinan  ;  Company 
K,  Augustus  Murdock. 

William  Humphrey,  Company  J,  and  Joseph 
Finnegan,  Company  K,  were  accidentally  killed. 

The  long  inactivity  which  prevailed  in  all  our 
armies  was  as  unsatisfactory  as  it  Was  inexplicable  to 
the  country.  Day  after  day,  week  after  week,  and 
month  after  month,  brought  the  same  story,  "  All 
quiet  along  the  lines,"  until  the  patience  of  the  peo 
ple  became  well  nigh  exhausted,  and  they  began  to 
clamor  for  the  removal  of  this  and  that  leader,  de 
claring  that  they  all 


PRES'T  LINCOLN'S  LETTER  TO  GEN.  M'CLELLAN.     63 

"  Like  peasant  foot-boys  did  keep  the  walls 
And  dare  not  take  up  arms  like  gentlemen." 

On  the  19th  of  January,  however,  the  President 
issued  orders  for  a  general  movement  of  all  the  Fede 
ral  forces ;  one  result  of  which  was  the  series  of  vic 
tories  at  the  West,  which  so  revived  the  drooping 
hopes  of  the  nation.  Twelve  days  afterwards,  he 
issued  a  special  order  directed  to  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  which  had  not  yetj  moved.  It  read  as 
follows : 

EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  ) 

WASHINGTON,  January  31st,  1861.  j 
President's  Special  War  Order  No.  1. 

Ordered,  that  all  the  disposable  force  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  after  providing  safely  for  the  defence 
of  Washington,  be' formed  into  an  expedition  for  the 
immediate  object  of  seizing  and  occupying  a  point 
upon  the  railroad  south-westward  of  what  is  known 
as  Manassas  Junction ;  all  details  to  be  in  the  dis 
cretion  of  the  General-in-Chief,  and  the  expedition  to 
move  before  or  on  the  22d  day  of  February  next. 
ABRAHAM  LINCOLN. 

General  McClellan  replied,  in  writing,  to  this 
order,  objecting  to  the  plan  which  it  proposed,  as 
involving  "  the  error  of  dividing  our  army  by  a  very- 
difficult  obstacle  (the  Occoquan),  and  by  a  distance 
too  great  to  enable  the  two  portions  to  support  each 
other,  should  either  be  attacked  by  the  masses  of  the 
enemy."  In  conclusion  he  expressed  himself  desirous 


64:  A    SECOND    LETTER   FROM   THE    PRESIDENT. 

of  moving  against  the  enemy,  either  by  the  way  of 
the  Rappahaimock  or  the  Peninsula.  This  reply 
explains  the  reason  of  his  having  so  long  delayed 
operations.  His  aim  was  to  mass  together  a  large 
army,  thoroughly  equipped  and  drilled,  and  leaving 
a  sufficient  force  to  guard  Washington,  throw  the 
remainder  of  his  army  suddenly  in  the  enemy's  rear, 
or  hurl  them  swiftly  upon  the  rebel  capital,  before 
they  could  move  to  its  support. 

The  President  did  not  agree  with  his  young  Gen 
eral,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  following  communica 
tion,  which  he  addressed  him  in  reply : 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  ) 

"  WASHINGTON,  February  3d,  1862.  j 

"  MY  DEAR  SIR  : — You  and  I  have  distinct  and  dif 
ferent  plans  for  a  movement  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac ;  yours  to  be  down  the  Chesapeake,  up  the 
Rappahannock  to  Urban  a,  and  across  land  to  the 
terminus  of  the  railroad  on  York  river;  mine  to 
move  directly  to  a  point  on  the  railroad  south-west 
of  Manassas.  If  you  will  give  me  satisfactory  an 
swers  to  the  following  questions,  I  shall  gladly  yield 
my  plan  to  yours : 

"  1.  Does  not  your  plan  involve  a  greatly  larger 
expenditure  of  time  and  money  than  mine  ? 

"  2.  Wherein  is  a  victory  more  certain  by  your 
plan  than  mine  ? 

"  3.  Wherein  is  a  victory  more  valuable  by  your 
plan  than  mine  ? 

"  4.  In  fact,  would  it  not  be  less  valuable  in  this 


YIELDS    TO    HIS    YOUNG    GENERAL.  65 

—  that  it  would  break  no  great  line  of  the  enemy's 
communication,  which  mine  would  ? 

"  5.  In  case  of  disaster,  would  not  a  safe  retreat 
be  more  difficult  by  your  plan  than  by  mine  ? 
"  Yours,  truly, 

"A.  LINCOLN." 

He  afterwards,  however,  yielded  to  General  Mc- 
Clellan.  Thus  affairs  stood,  until  the  first  week  in 
March,  when  the  enemy  were  discovered  to  be  re 
treating  from  Manassas,  and  the  grand  advance 
commenced. 


66    ADVANCE  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Advance  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. — The  Thirty -third  taking 
up  the  line  of  march. — Flint  Hill. — General  McClellan  decides  to 
move  on  Richmond  by  way  of  the  Peninsula. — Embarkation  of 
the  Thirty-third  at  Alexandria. — Embarkation  Scene. — Mount 
Vernon. — The  Monitor. — Arrival  at  Fortress  Monroe. — Agreeable 
change  of  the  climate. — Hampton. — Reconnoisance  to  Watt's 
Creek. — Rebel  Epistolary  Literature. — Bathers  shelled  by  the 
rebel  gunboat  Teaser. — Building  a  Redoubt. 

On  the  10th  of  March  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
unfurled  its  banners,  and  began  the  forward  march. 
Comprised  of  legions  of  brave  men  perfected  in  dis 
cipline  through  long  months  of  drill ;  supplied  with 
everything  pertaining  to  the  material  of  war,  and 
headed  by  a  General  the  very  mention  of  whose 
name  inspired  to  deeds  of  daring  —  in  this  grand 
army  were  centred  the  Nation's  hopes.  The  long 
delay  was  ended,  the  public  pulse  quickened,  and 
with  light  heart  and  elastic  step  the  volunteer  moved 
away,  confident  that  he  moved  to  victory. 

The  Thirty-third  took  up  their  line  of  march  at  3£ 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  while  a  severe  rain-storm 
was  prevailing,  wrhich  continued  during  the  day,  ren 
dering  the  roads  almost  impassable.  Four  and  a  half 
hours  were  consumed  in  marching  the  distance  of 
two  miles,  and  many  of  the  wagons  were  stuck  fast 


CORPS    COMMANDERS   IN   COUNCIL. 


67 


in  the  mud  before  reaching  Lewinsville.  The  bri 
gade  encamped  the  first  night  at  Flint  Hill,  on  an 
abandoned  rebel  site,  having  marched  ten  miles. 
The  men,  weary,  hungry,  foot  sore,  and  wet  to  the 
skin,  hailed  with  feelings  such  as  they  had  never 
before  experienced,  the  orders  to  "  halt,  stack  arms, 
and  encamp  for  the  night."  The  division  remained 
in  this  locality  four  days,  being  again  reviewed  by 
their  commander. 

It  was  here  that  the  men  began  to  learn,  for  the 
first  time,  to  their  chagrin  and  mortification,  that 
the  enemy  had  retreated  southward.  After  beleaguer 
ing  the  capital,  blockading  the  river,  and  keeping 
our  army  at  bay  for  more  than  six  months,  they  had 
quietly  absconded,  taking  everything  with  them. 


Fairfax  Court  House. 


About  this  time,  March  13th,  General  McClellan 
convened  a   council  of  his  Corps  Commanders    at 


68  THE    PENINSULA    EOUTE   DECIDED    UPON. 

Fairfax  Court  House,  informing  them  that  he  had 
previously  determined  on  moving  forward  towards 
Richmond  by  the  way  of  the  Rappahannock  ;  but 
further  deliberation  had  led  him  to  abandon  this 
route  for  the  one  via  Fortress  Monroe.  Thereupon 
every  preparation  was  made  for  transferring  the 
scene  of  operations  to  the  Peninsula.  The  larger 
portion  of  the  army  had  proceeded  110  further  in  the 
direction  of  Manassas  than  the  Court  House.  A 
small  force,  however,  had  advanced  to  the  Rappa 
hannock,  ascertaining  that  the  country  was  clear  of 
rebels  to  that  river. 

On  the  15th  of  the  month  General  Smith's  divi 
sion  resumed  the  line  of  march,  and  passing  through 


Embarkation  at  Alexandria. 

Fairfax,  encamped  at  Cloud's  Mills,  near  Alexandria. 
The  Thirty-third  remained  here   along  with  other 


EMBARKATION    SCENE.  69 

troops,  until  Sunday  the  23d,  when  it  marched  to 
Alexandria,  and  embarked  on  vessels  for  Fortress 
Monroe.  Six  companies  proceeded  on  board  the 
Metamora,  previously  employed  on  the  Hudson 
river;  three  on  the  Naushon,  and  the  remaining 
Company  on  another  small  steamer.  The  embarka 
tion  scene  was  one  which  will  long  be  remembered 
by  the  participants. 

Transports  of  every  size  and  description  were  rid 
ing  in  the  river,  or  moored  at  the  wharves,  receiving 
on  board  regiment  after  regiment.  National  ensigns 
and  banners  appeared  in  every  direction,  flying  from 
the  forests  of  masts,  over  forts  in  the  distance,  or 
unfurled  at  the  head  of  the  regiments.  Beyond  the 
city  were  visible  long  lines  of  glistening  bayonets, 
winding  over  hill  and  through  dale  as  far  as  the  eye 
could  reach,  and  the  gentle  breezes  which  blew  from 
the  southward  bore  to  the  ear  the  music  of  a  hun 
dred  national  bands.  They  steamed  away  at  the 
close  of  the  day,  amid  tremendous  cheering,  waving 
of  handkerchiefs,  and  singing  of  the  "  red,  white,  and 
blue ;"  the  setting  sun  shimmering  on  the  water ;  the 
dark  outlines  of  the  capitol  looming  up  in  the  dis 
tance.  All  hands  crowded  the  decks  to  catch  a 
lingering  look  of  Washington,  rebellious  Alexandria, 
and  the  surrounding  region,  where  they  had  spent 
the  first  months  of  their  soldier-life. 

Dropping  down  the  river,  the  three  steamers  bear 
ing  the  Thirty-third  lay  off  Fort  Washington  until 
the  next  morning,  when  they  "  hove  anchor,"  and 
started  for  Fortress  Monroe.  When  opposite  Mount 

4A 


70 


ARRIVAL  AT  FORTRESS  MONROE. 


Yernon,  the  bells  were  tolled  in  memory  of  the  illus 
trious  dead.  The  first  of  the  Monitors,  since  lost  off 
the  coast  of  North  Carolina,  lay  at  anchor  further 
down  the  river,  and  attracted  much  attention.  So 
diminutive,  so  insignificant  in  appearance,  it  seemed 
impossible  that  this  little  "  cheese-box  "  could  be 
so  formidable  an  engine  of  destruction  ;  able  to  blow 
the  largest  man-of-war  afloat  into  "  one  long  port 
hole."  Passing  numerous  barges,  sloops,  and  other 
water-craft,  in  the  employ  of  the  government,  the 
steamers  reached  Fortress  Monroe  at  midnight,  and 
the  troops  disembarked  at  Old  Point  Comfort  dur 
ing  the  following  morning. 

Forces  belonging  to  General  Heintzelman  had 
already  arrived,  and  were  encamped  in  the  vicin 
ity  of  the  fort.  The  change  in  the  climate  was  very 
perceptible  as  well  as  agreeable.  Instead  of  the 
bleak,  cutting  winds  and  unhealthy  climate  of  Camp 
Griffin,  a  warm  genial  south  breeze  was  blowing, 
and  the  mild,  balmy  atmosphere  was  alike  bracing 
and  exhilarating.  After  the  long  confinement  of  the 
more  northern  winter  months,  it  was  far  from  dis 
agreeable  to  be  transferred  to  a  spot  where  the  peach 
trees  were  in  blossom,  birds  were  singing,  and 
flocks  sporting  in  green  meadows. 

On  landing,  the  Thirty-third  marched  to  the  ruin 
ed  village  of  Hampton,  and  after  tarrying  a  short 
time  to  partake  of  refreshments,  and  examine  the  vari 
ous  objects  of  interest,  proceeded  three  miles  beyond, 
and  encamped  close  to  the  James  River.  Prior  to 
leaving  Washington,  General  Heintzelman  had  re- 


BEBEL   LITERATURE.  73 

ceived  instructions  from  General  McClellan,  who  did 
not  reach  the  Peninsula  until  the  second  of  April, 
to  keep  all  the  troops  in  the  vicinity  of  the  fort  for 
a  few  days,  so  that  the  rebels  should  have  no  idea 
of  the  direction  in  which  the  army  was  to  eventually 
move,  whether  towards  Norfolk  or  Yorktown.  He 
accordingly  did  so. 

On  the  27th  reconnoitering  parties  were  sent  for 
ward.  Smith's  entire  division  marched,  without  knap 
sacks,  to  Watt's  Creek,  a  small  hamlet  near  Big 
Bethel,  wrhere  some  rebel  cavalry  were  discovered 
and  put  to  flight  by  a  few  shells  from  our  artillery. 
Tnere  were  newly  made  camps  and  other  evidences 
of  the  recent  occupation  of  the  place  by  rebel  infan 
try.  For  the  first  time,  the  Thirty-third  boys  discover 
ed  a  batch  of  the  rebel  literature,  wThich  has  furnish 
ed  so  much  amusement  for  northern  readers  during 
the  progress  of  the  war.  Little  groups  were  collect 
ed  to  listen  to  the  reading  of  various  documents, 
including  several  tender  missives,  the  writers  of 
which  had  evidently  followed  Yoltaire's  advice  for 
writing  love  letters,  "to  begin  without  knowing  what 
you  have  to  say,  and  end  without  knowing  what  you 
have  written." 

On  the  same  day  Gen.  Hooker  proceeded  with  his 
command  to  Big  Bethel,  the  enemy  decamping  when 
he  made  his  appearance.  After  remaining  over  night 
at  Watt's  Creek,  sleeping  on  their  arms,  in  the  forest, 
the  troops  of  Smith's  division  returned  and  encamp 
ed  about  two  miles  north  of  Newport  News.  A 
severe  rain-storm  set  in  after  dark,  and  the  men  of  the 


74:  REBEL    GUNBOAT    TEASER. 

Thirty-third  awoke  in  the  morning,  to  find  everything 
afloat.  There  was  water  enough  within  the  encamp 
ment  to  have  easily  floated  a  canoe,  which  of  course 
occasioned  a  general  clearing  out  on  the  part  of  the 
regiment. 

Several  severe  cases  of  sickness  arose  from  this 
heavy  freshet,  and  a  Division  Hospital  was  establish 
ed  at  Newport  News,  under  charge  of  the  Thirty-third 
surgeon.  A  new  and  more  elevated  site,  and  nearer 
the  James,  was  immediately  occupied. 

The  men  were  allowed  to  bathe  daily  in  the  river. 
One  afternoon,  while  so  employed,  the  small  rebel 
Gunboat  Teaser,  afterwards  captured  and  found^o 


Rebel  Gunboat  Teaser. 

be   commanded  by  a  younger   brother   of  General 
Davidson,  ran  down  to  within  a  mile  and  a  half,  and 


FORT   WEIGHT.  75 

commenced  throwing  shells  at  the  bathers.  The 
sudden  appearance  of  these  unwelcome  visitors  in 
their  midst  produced  a  general  "skedaddle,"  and  the 
men  came  running  into  camp  as  fast  as  their  legs 
would  cany  them.  Some  made  their  appearance  in  a 
perfectly  denuded  state  ;  others  more  fortunate  had 
managed  to  secure  a  shirt,  while  two  or  three  came 
in  with  simply  cap  and  stockings  on.  This  affair 
created  great  merriment,  and  furnished  a  fruitful 
theme  of  conversation  for  weeks  afterwards.  The 
firing  of  the  Teaser  produced  no  effect  beyond  the 
severe  scare  administered  to  the  men. 

Soon  after  the  return  of  the  regiment  from 
Watt's  Creek,  two  Companies  proceeded  again  in 
that  direction  to  ascertain  where  the  enemy's  picket 
lines  extended.  They  saw  a  few  of  the  confederates, 
who  flec^pn  their  approach.  The  Thirty-third  assisted 
in  building  a  log  redoubt  near  the  encampment,  which 
was  named  Fort  Wright,  in  honor  of  Joseph  Wright, 
Esq.,  of  Waterloo,  N.  Y.  Scattered  up  and  down  the 
James  River  for  miles,  were  to  be  seen  the  remains  of 
elegant  country  seats  and  farm,  houses,  destroyed  by 
the  rebel  General  Magruder  at  the  time  Hampton 
was  burned.  The  country  on  every  side  presented  a 
scene  of  ruin  and  desolation,  conveying  to  the  mind 
a  vivid  impression  of  the  wanton  devastation  of  war. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  few  days  the  Thirty-third  was 
sent,  with  the  other  regiments  of  Gen.  Davidson's  bri 
gade,  for  the  third  time,  to  Watt's  Creek,  and  after 
dispersing  the  rebel  pickets,  returned  without  loss. 


76  CONTINUED   ARRIVAL   OF    TROOPS. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Continued  Arrival  of  Troops. — Advance  of  the  Army  of  the  Penin 
sula. — Arrival  of  the  Regiment  at  Young's  Mills. — An  Aged 
Contraband. — Lee's  Mills. — The  Various  Companies  of  the  Thirty- 
third  ordered  to  the  Front. —  Caisson  struck  by  a  rebel  Ball. — 
Continued  Firing  of  the  Enemy. — Falling  back  of  the  National 
Forces. — Heavy  Rain  Storm. —  The  Beef  Brigade.  — Enemy's 
Fortifications. —  Troublesome  Insects. — Night  Skirmishing. — 
Celerity  of  the  Paymaster's  Movements  —  Evacuation  of  York- 
town. —  Early  information  of  the  fact  brought,  to  Col.  Corning 
by  Contrabands. —  The  Rebel  Works  taken  possession  of. 

• 

TROOPS  continued  to  arrive  in  large  numbers 
from  Washington,  and  on  the  4th  of  April,  the  entire 
army  commenced  moving  in  the  direction  of  York- 
town,  appearing  the  next  day  in  front  of  the  enemy's 
lines.  During  the  afternoon  of  the  4th  the  Thirty- 
third  reached  Young's  Mills,  which  the  enemy  had 
left  in  the  morning. 

Their  position  here  had  been  a  very  strong  one ; 
in  addition  to  the  natural  defences  of  the  place,  they 
had  thrown  up  heavy  earth- works,  constructed  seven 
rifle  pits,  and  placed  four  batteries  in  position. 
Their  quarters,  which  were  taken  possession  of  by 
our  men,  consisted  of  wooden  huts,  snugly  and  com 
pactly  built.  An  aged  contraband  was  found  run- 


77 

ning  the  grist-mill,  from  which  the  place  took  its 
name.  The  next  day  the  inarch  was  resumed 
through  a  heavily  timbered  region,  and  over  roads 
very  much  impaired  by  recent  rains  ;  the  division 
arriving  in  front  of  Lee's  Mills  at  noon. 

Skirmishing  and  artillery  firing  immediatedly 
commenced,  and  was  kept  up  with  but  little  inter 
mission  for  several  days.  In  accordance  with  in 
structions  from  Gen.  Davidson,  Col.  Taylor  sent,  on 
Saturday,  Co.  B.,  to  do  picket  duty  on  the  left. 
The  men  advanced  to  within  150  yards  of  the  en 
emy,  who  were  found  to  have  three  large  forts  in 
addition  to  other  fortifications.  They  remained  out 
all  night,  keeping  up  a  running  fire  most  of  the  time, 
and  having  three  of  their  number  wounded.  Co.  A 
relieved  them  on  the  following  morning.  Cos.  D,  E, 
F,  G-,  H,  I,  and  K,  were  likewise  posted  as  picket^ 
and  to  C  was  assigned  the  duty  of  supporting  sec 
tions  of  Wheeler's  and  Cowan's  batteries. 

While  so  employed,  one  of  the  enemy's  cannon 
balls,  which  were  tailing  in  every  direction,  struck 
a  caisson  and  exploded  several  of  the  shells  in  rapid 
succession.  At  this  juncture,  an  artilleryman, 
running  np,  dashed  a  bucket  of  water  over  the  re 
mainder,  thereby  preventing  their  explosion,  to  the 
great  relief  of  the  cannoniers,  as  well  as  of  the  sup 
porting  party.  The  artillery  firing  of  the  rebels, 
which  was  kept  up  at  intervals  along  the  whole  line, 
killed  but  few  of  our  men,  though  occasioning  some 
uneasiness  by  its  terrible  execution  among  the  forest 
trees.  Saplings  were  snapped  asunder  like  pipe 


78   THE  33RD  THE  LAST  TO  LEAVE  THE  FRONT. 

stems,  while  huge  limbs  severed  from  the  tall  oaks 
were  falling  in  every  direction.  Many  trees  of  large 
growth  were  completely  perforated  with  solid  shot, 
or  shattered  by  shell. 

During  this  time  Capts.  Cole  and  Guion,  with  a 
Volunteer  force,  made  an  important  reconnoissance 
beyond  our  picket  lines,  advancing  very  near  to  the 
rebel  works,  from  which  they  were  fired  upon. 

In  order  to  avoid  the  artillery  and  picket  firing,  it 
was  decided  to  have  the  forces  of  Gen.  Smith  fall 
back  for  a  short  distance,  where  they  would  threaten 
the  enemy  full  as  much,  and  at  the  same  time  be 
less  exposed.  After  the  removal  of  the  batteries 
the  various  Companies  of  the  Thirty-third  withdrew 
to  the  distance  of  a  mile,  being  the  last  to  leave  the 
front,  where  they  had  retained  their  respective  posi 
tions  under  the  hottest  of  the  enemy's  fire,  for  a 
]1feriod  of  fifty-four  hours,  and  lost  in  wounded  Lieut. 
Gale,  Co.  G,  and  several  privates. 

Exhausted  from  the  want  of  sleep  and  sufficient 
rations,  the  men  sank  down  on  the  moist  ground 
that  night,  with  no  protection  from  the  falling  rain, 
save  that  aiforded  by  a  few  boughs  and  leaves.  Offi 
cers  and  privates  were  alike  drenched  through  to 
the  skin,  long  before  the  dawn  of  day.  They  re 
mained  here  some  three  or  four  days. 

Owing  to  the  condition  of  the  roads,  it  was  found 
impossible  to  bring  up  the  supply  trains.  Two 
hundred  and  fifty  men  were  accordingly  detailed 
to  proceed  back  and  obtain  rations.  After  several 
hours'  absence  they  returned,  each  one  bearing  upon 


THE   BEEF   BRIGADE.  79 

liis  fixed  bayonet  a  goodly  piece  of  meat,  and  obeying 
the  facetious  orders  of  the  Lieut.  Colonel  to  "  shoul 
der  beef,  present  beef,"  etc.  Six  barrels  of  meat 
were  thus  brought  into  camp.  The  men  were  not 
so  exhausted  but  that  they  indulged  in  a  hearty 
laugh  over  this  circumstance,  and  the  detail  was 
ever  afterwards  known  as  the  "  Beef  Brigade." 

On  the  llth  of  April,  the  Brigade  moved  one 
mile  and  a  half  nearer  Yorktown,  encamping 
directly  in  front  of  the  enemy's  fortifications,  which 
consisted,  in  addition  to  numerous  other  earthworks, 
of  a  chain  of  forts,  extending  across  the  Peninsula 
to  James  River.  The  time  was  employed  here  in 
building  corduroy  roads,  "  slashing"  timber,  etc. 
An  innumerable  army  of  insects,  known  under  the 
general  appellation  of  wood-ticks,  were  very  annoy 
ing.  They  would  burrow  in  the  flesh  of  both 
man  and  beast,  and,  regardless  of  the  consequences, 
"  pinch"  and  pull  away  with  all  the  tenacity  of  the 
horse  leech.  One  of  the  officers  amused  himself  in 
making  a  large  collection  of  these  troublesome 
creatures,  which  he  has  brought  home  with  him. 

On  the  day  that  Gen.  Smith  made  the  unsuccessful 
attempt  to  cross  the  Warwick  River  with  the  Ver 
mont  troops,  Davidson's  Brigade  moved  a  mile  and 
a  half  further  to  the  right,  where  it  remained  until 
the  evacuation  of  and  advance  upon  Yorktown. 
While  here,  frequent  reconnoissances  were  made  by 
the  Regiment.  Parties  detailed  from  the  various 
commands  were  employed  every  night  in  construct 
ing  rifle-pits  and  other  earth-works. 


80  RAPID   MOVEMENTS    OF   THE    PAYMASTER. 

On  the  evening  prior  to  the  evacuation,  a  portion 
of  the  Thirty-third  assisted  in  the  completion  of  a 
large  mortar-bed,  and  mounting  of  two  heavy  mor 
tars,  which  completely  commanded  the  enemy's 
works  directly  opposite.  Had  they  remained,  these 
two  powerful  engines  of  war  would  have  made  fear 
ful  havoc  among  the  rebels.  This  night-work  was 
attended  with  more  or  less  tiring  on  the  part  of  the 
enemy,  which,  however,  produced  but  little  effect, 
in  addition  to  the  frequent  turning  out  of  the  Regi 
ments.  The  Thirty-third  was  ordered  under  arms 
three  times  during  one  night,  when  a  heavy  storm 
was  prevailing. 

The  Paymaster  again  made  his  appearance  here, 
and  emptied  his  money  bags  in  a  remarkably  short 
space  of  time.  Perhaps  a  remark  he  made  to  one 
of  the  officers  had  some  connection  with  his  celerity 
of  movement :  "  Well,  isn't  this  a  mighty  exposed 
condition."  It  was  indeed  an  exposed  condition,  the 
enemy  constantly  tossing  shells  into  our  camp  by 
way  of  amusement^  and  to  "  stir  us  up,"  as  they 
expressed  it. 

Troops  had  now  arrived,  to  the  number  of  a 
hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand,  and  the  siege 
was  being  conducted  successfully,  both  on  the  right 
and  left.  All  the  necessary  preparations  for  the 
storming  of  the  rebel  stronghold  were  nearly  com 
pleted,  when,  on  the  morning  of  Sunday,  the  4th  of 
May,  the  game,  much  to  the  chagrin  and  mortifica 
tion  of  our  Generals,  was  discovered  to  have  flown. 

The   intelligence   was  first   brought   to   the  left 


YOEKTOWN   EVACUATED.  81 

wing  of  the  army  by  two  contrabands.  The  fugi 
tives  bringing  the  news  came  to  the  officer  of  the 
picket  line,  the  Lieut.  Colonel  of  the  Thirty-third, 
before  daylight,  and  stated  that  on  the  Thursday 
evening  previous  the  artillery  had  been  removed ; 
on  Friday  the  wagon-trains  and  a  portion  of  the 
troops,  and  that  that  night  "  they  had  all  been  leav 
ing."  They  were  immediately  conveyed  to  General 
Hancock's  quarters. 

Men  of  straw  were  posted  as  sentinels  on  the  ram 
parts,  and  "  Quaker  Guns"  had  supplanted  the 
formidable  artillery,  which  for  weeks  had  rained 
down  its  iron  hail  on  the  besiegers. 

Not  long  after,  the  various  Regiments  commenced 
crossing,  and  by  noon  the  entire  Division  was  over. 
At  the  same  time  other  portions  of  the  army  were 
crossing  at  various  points  on  the  right,  and  General 
Stoneman,  with  his  cavalry  and  flying  artillery,  was 
started  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  General  Hooker 
followed  at  supporting  distance,  with  his  Division. 
Generals  Sumner,  Heintzelman  and  Keys'  corps,  to 
which  Smith's  Division  belonged,  were  also  pushed 
forward. 


BATTLE    OF    WILLIAMSBUKG. 


CHAPTEE  VIIL 
BATTLE   OF  WILLIAMSBURG-, 

FOUGHT  MONDAY,  MAY  5. 

AFTER  crossing  Warwick  Creek,  Sunday,  May  4th, 
Smith's  Division  immediately  pushed  forward  in 
pursuit  of  the  fleeing  enemy.  The  Thirty-third  was 
ordered  to  halt  near  one  of  the  rebel  works,  and, 
owing  to  the  forgetfulness  of  an  Aid,  did  not  resume 
the  march  again  until  5  o'clock  P.  M.  Darkness 
coming  on,  and  not  being  able  to  ascertain  the 
whereabouts  of  the  Division,  the  Regiment  bivouaeed 
for  the  night  seven  miles  east  of  Williamsburg. 

Several  months  before,  the  enemy  had  constructed 
a  line  of  defence  across  the  Peninsula,  about  two 
miles  back  of  this  city,  consisting  of  a  very  extended 
entrenchment,  called  Fort  Magruder,  which  covered 
the  high  road  from  Yorktown,  at  a  narrow  and  easily 
defended  point,  and  of  five  heavy  square  earth 
works  on  the  north  side,  and  two  others  on  the 
south. 

On  retreating  from  Yorktown,  the  rebels  left 
several  thousand  men  in  these  works  to  check  our 
pursuit,  and  enable  the  bulk  of  their  army  to  get 
across  the  Chickahominy.  Smith's  Division  came  up 
Sunday  evening,  as  likewise  did  Hooker's,  and  other 
troops  of  Heintzelman's  Corps,  which  was  further  to 
the  left. 


85 

As  our  troops  drew  near  the  forts,  Monday  morn 
ing,  a  heavy  artillery  fire  was  poured  upon  them, 
followed  by  musketry.  The  Thirty-third  overtook 
the  Division  while  it  was  progressing.  Meanwhile 
General  Hooker,  who  was  advancing  further  to  the 
left,  fiercely  engaged  the  enemy,  who  came  out  on 
the  plain  to  meet  him,  and  being  pressed  by  over 
whelming  numbers,  was  obliged  to  fall  back  to  the 
support  of  General  Peck's  Brigade.  About  eleven 
o'clock,  General  Hancock,  who  was  now  temporarily 
commanding  the  Third  Brigade,  with  his  own,  was 
ordered  further  to  the  right  of  the  Division,  to  turn 
the  enemy's  position.  The  Thirty-third,  which  had 
been  marching  since  daylight,  Fifth  Wisconsin, 
Forty-ninth  Pennsylvania,  and  Sixth  and  Seventh 
Maine,  were  assigned  to  this  duty.  After  proceeding 
about  two  miles  to  the  right,  and  in  view  of  York 
River,  they  changed  their  course  to  the  left,  and 
crossed  King's  Greek,  on  a  high  dam  built  by  the 
enemy  to  "  back  up"  the  water,  and  thereby  render 
the  stream  unfordable.  The  overflow  or  pond  thus 
made,  extended  nearly  a  mile,  and  in  front  of  a  por 
tion  of  their  entrenchments.  Situated  upon  the 
high  land  at  the  western  extremity  of  it,  was  one  of 
the  earthworks  previously  mentioned,  strongly  built, 
and  with  deep  broad  moats  in  front.  Further  back, 
and  towards  the  York,  were  two  others  constructed, 
on  a  still  higher  rise  of  ground,  and  surrounded 
with  numerous  rifle-pits.  They  were,  however,  now 
all  deserted.  Just  before  reaching  the  dam,  the 
three  left  Companies  of  the  Thirty-third — B,  Capt. 
5 


86  TROOPS    ARRANGED   IN    POSITION. 

White,  G,  Capt.  Hamilton,  and  K,  Capt.  McGraw, 
were  left,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Corning,  to  guard  the 
forks  of  the  road.  After  the  force  crossed,  they 
were  ordered  forward,  and  took  possession  of  the 
first  fort,  Major  Platner  being  left  in  command  of 
them. 

r  General  Hancock  continued  to  move  forward,  and 
having  advanced  half  a  mile  to  the  left,  halted  in 
the  field,  a  short  distance  from  the  enemy,  and  near 
by  an  abandoned  redoubt.  Lieut.  Col.  Corning  was 
now  ordered  to  take  Cos.  A,  Capt.  Guion,  D,  Lieut. 
Brown,  commanding,  and  F,  Capt.  McNair,  Regi 
mental  Colors  and  Color  Guard,  occupy  and  hold 
the  fort.  This  was  quickly  done,  and  the  beautiful 
banner  soon  waved  from  the  battlements,  where  it 
remained  through  the  fierce  conflict  which  ensued, 
torn  and  tattered  for  the  first  time  by  shell  and 
bullets.  A  few  moments  later,  Colonel  Taylor  pro 
ceeded  with  the  remaining  Companies  of  the  Regi 
ment,  C,  E,  H  and  I,  to  a  body  of  woods  to  the  right 
and  front,  and  deployed  them  as  skirmishers. 

Wheeler  and  Cowan's  Batteries  moved  forward 
five  hundred  yards,  directly  in  front  of  the  redoubt 
and  .commenced  shelling  Fort  Magruder,  in  which 
the  enemy  were  posted.  They  were  supported  by 
the  Fifth  Wisconsin,  whose  skirmishers  connected 
with  those  of  the  Thirty-third  on  the  right,  and 
Sixth  Maine  and  Forty-ninth  Pennsylvania  on  the 
left.  From  the  redoubt,  occupied  by  Cos.  A,  D 
and  F,  the  ground  descended  slightly  for  a  few  rods, 
and  then  became  a  level  plain,  extending  to  Fort 


SUDDEN    APPEARANCE    OF   THE    ENEMY.  87 

Magmder,  and  presenting  but  few  obstacles  to  the 
advance  of  infantry. 

Our  artillery  kept  up  a  vigorous  fire  until  two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  then  ceased,  in  accord 
ance,  as  it  was  understood,  with  orders  from  General 
McClellan,  who  had  arrived  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  creek. 

A  lull  of  several  hours  followed,  but  the  heavy 
firing  from  the  direction  of  our  left,  indicated  that 
a  severe  engagement  was  going  on  there.     No  other 
troops  had  arrived  to  reinforce  Hancock,  and  he  held 
his  position  on  the  enemy's  left  flank  all  day  with 
the  small   force  previously  designated.     Night  was 
approaching,  and  the  men  began  to  consider  what 
further  dispositions  were  to  be  made  of  them,  when 
suddenly  the   rebels   were   discovered   approaching 
from    the  direction   of  Williamsburg,  and  rapidly 
forming  two  lines  of  battle,  which  extended  entirely 
across  the  plain  in  front.     It  required  but  a  glance 
to  divine  their  object.     With  overwhelming  num 
bers  they  expected  to  press  down  upon  the  small 
force  and  capture  it  entire,  or  drive  it  pell  mell  into 
the   creek.      General    Hancock    immediately    sent 
word  to  the  batteries  and  infantry  supports  to  fall 
back  quickly,  which  they  did,  engaging  the  enemy 
as  they  retired.     The  three  Companies  of  the  Thirty- 
third  were  ordered  out  of  the  redoubt  into  line  of 
battle,  but  the  Color  Sergeant  and  Guard  remained 
to  defend   and    keep   unfurled    the    banner.     The 
Seventh  Maine  was  likewise  posted  in  line  of  battle 
at  the  right. 


88  A   CRITICAL    PERIOD. 

On  came  the  swarthy  rebels,  shouting  Bull  Run 
and  Ball's  Bluff,  their  lines  unbroken  and  uncheck 
ed,  while  our  guns  and  the  Fifth  Wisconsin,  Sixth 
Maine  and  Forty-ninth  Pennsylvania,  hastily  rece 
ded,  forming  on  the  left  of  the  Thirty-third,  as  they 
fell  back.  The  enemy's  flying  artillery  also  moved 
forward,  and  discharged  shot  and  shell  in  quick 
succession,  which  fell  all  around  the  redoubt.  It  was 
a  most  trying  situation — the  foe  was  steadily  bearing 
down  upon  us,  and  no  reinforcements,  were  they  to 
be  had,  could  cross  the  narrow  mill-dam  in  time  to 
render  assistance.  Still  the  men  faltered  not,  but 
nerved  themselves  for  the  shock,  determined  that 
many  of  the  enemy  should  bite  the  dust  before  they 
would  surrender. 

As  the  rebels  drew  nearer  and  nearer,  the  men 
fired  rapidly,  but  failed  to  make  any  impression  upon 
their  lines,  which  swept  over  the  plain  in  most  per 
fect  order.  They  had  now  arrived  within  seventy 
yards  of  the  redoubt.  Lieutenant  Brown  and  many 
other  brave  fellows  had  fallen  mortally  wounded. 
The  cannoniers  with  their  guns,  and  members  of 
other  Regiments,  were  hurrying  back  to  the  dam  to 
escape.  The  right  and  left  of  the  line  were  waver 
ing,  and  it  seemed  as  if  all  was  lost. 

At  this  critical  juncture,  the  Lieutenant  Colonel, 
turning  to  Colonel  Taylor,  who  had  just  arrived  from 
the  skirmish  line,  remarked,  "  Nothing  but  a  charge 
can  check  them."  "A  charge  it  shall  be,"  he 
replied,  and  instantly  waving  his  sword  in  the  air, 
shouted,  "Forward,  men,"  "Charge  bayonets,"  added 


THE   THIKTY-THIBD   MAKES    A   CHARGE.  89 

Lieut.  Colonel  Corning,  and  the  brave  fellows,  to  a 
man,  sprang  forward  on  the  double  quick,  and  were 
soon  lost  in  the  cloud  of  smoke  which  enveloped 
the  plain.  Incited  by  this  gallant  example  of  three 
Companies  charging  a  whole  Division,  other  Regi 
ments  followed.  Alarmed  at  this  sudden  counter 
charge,  and  doubtless  fearing  that  they  had  under 
rated  our  force,  the  enemy  broke  and  ran  in  con 
fusion.  In  vain  the  commanding  officer  attempted 
to  rally  them.  Sauve  qui  pent  became  the  order  of 
the  day.  The  Thirty-third,  which  was  close  on  the 
front  line  when  it  broke,  halted,  and  discharged 
volley  after  volley  upon  the  gray-backs,  as  they 
scampered  over  the  plain.  The  other  regiments  now 
joined  them,  and  for  several  moments  a  most  murder 
ous  tire  was  poured  upon  the  panic  stricken  fugitives, 
who  never  stopped  until  they  reached  their  entrench 
ments.  Many  tumbled  over  on  their  backs  and 
feigned  death,  while  others  ran  towards  us  with 
uplifted  hands,  imploring  that  we  would  spare  their 
lives. 

More  than  two  hundred  of  them  lay  dead  and 
wounded  on  the  field,  including  the  Lieut.  Colonel 
and  Major  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Virginia,  and  a 
Captain  on  Magruder's  Staff. 

It  wras  a  most  daring  and  brilliant  exploit,  decid 
ing  the  fortunes  of  the  day,  and  turning  what  was, 
up  to  this  time,  a  defeat  on  the  left,  into  a  substan 
tial  victory. 

The  four  Companies  deployed  as  skirmishers  on 
the  left,  to  prevent  a  flank  movement,  were  not  idle 


90  THE    SKIRMISHERS   BUSY. 

during  this  time.  Colonel  Taylor  had  posted  them 
just  beyond  a  small  creek,  nearly  on  a  parallel  with 
the  first  position  occupied  by  the  batteries,  as 
follows :  Co.  C,  Capt.  Cole,  right ;  H,  Capt.  Drake, 
centre ;  E,  Capt.  Warford,  left,  and  I,  Capt.  Eoot, 
in  rear  and  reserve.  On  his  departure,  Capt.  War- 
ford  was  placed  in  command  of  the  line. 

After  they  had  been  in  position  a  short  time, 
Lieutenant  Gummer,  of  Co.  E,  was  sent  with  ten  of 
Captain  Cole's  men  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in 
front,  as  a  party  of  observation.  Having  made  a 
proper  survey  of  the  vicinity,  he  returned  and 
reported  to  headquarters.  Firing  now  commenced 
between  the  skirmishers  on  the  left,  and  Captain 
Warford  ordered  Captain  Eoot  forward  to  strengthen 
the  line.  Soon  after,  the  enemy's  charging  column 
made  its  appearance  from  the  direction  of  Williams- 
fourir,  and  dashing  into  the  woods,  struck  the 
skirmish  line  on  the  right  of  Co.  E.  Brisk  firing 
ensued,  our  skirmishers  falling  back  into  the  forest, 
and  the  enemy  pushing  on  to  the  open  fields  at  the 
left. 

Owin:;  to  the  confusion  resulting  from  the  sudden 
turn  of  affairs,  Captain  Root  was  unable  to  find  the 
skirmish  line,  and  consequently  placed  in  an  awk 
ward  position,  the  enemy  being  all  around  him. 
His  men  were  not  dismayed,  however,  but  after 
receding  two  hundred  yards,  halted.  A  small  party 
of  rebels  who  had  broke  away  from  the  main  force, 
now  approached,  and  when  within  a  short  distance 
were  fired  upon.  Taking  them  to  be  friends  they 


CAPTS.    ROOT    &   WARFORD    SECURING    PRISONERS.    91 

cried  out,  "  Don't  fire,  you  are  shooting  your  own 
men."  At  this  Captain  R.  ordered  them  to  advance 
and  surrender ;  and  they  were,  much  to  their  sur 
prise  and  chagrin,  made  prisoners.  One  of  the 
officers  attempted  to  escape,  but  the  Captain  made 
after  him  and  compelled  him  to  deliver  up  his 
sword.  Other  prisoners  were  afterwards  taken,  and 
when  the  number  was  swelled  to  forty,  Captain  R, 
concluding  that  he  had  his  hands  full,  left  the  woods, 
and  marched  them  off  to  the  redoubt  with  his  Com 
pany  of  twenty-seven  men. 

Not  knowing  that  the  wavering  in  the  line  was 
occasioned  by  the  attack  of  the  enemy's  storming 
column,  Captain  Warford  attempted  to  rally  it 
instead  of  ordering  it  to  retreat.  While  doing  so, 
he  was  informed  that  some  stragglers  wished  to  give 
themselves  up,  but  seeing  nothing  of  them,  started 
back  to  a  small  support  in  the  rear.  On  the  way, 
an  officer  approached  him  and  said,  "We  are  falling 
back,"  mistaking  him  for  a  fellow  rebel.  The  Captain 
immediately  captured  him.  The  enemy  had  now 
been  routed,  and  numerous  stragglers  ran  into 
the  woods,  and  were  taken  by  the  Captain's  men. 
Frequent  shots  were  exchanged,  and  several  of 
Cos.  E  and  H  wounded.  He  was  himself  repeat 
edly  shot  at,  but  escaped  without  a  scratch. 

When  the  enemy's  column  advanced  into  the 
woods,  it  passed  through  Captain  Drake's  Company 
(H),  which  was  in  the  centre  of  the  skirmish  line? 
and  captured  several  of  his  men.  After  it  had  gone 
by,  a  body  of  fifty  stragglers  returned  and  suddenly 


92  SWEARING   THE   PRISONERS. 

attacked  him  in  the  rear.  Being  thus  surrounded 
on  all  sides  he,  together  with  several  more  of  his 
men,  were  compelled  to  surrender.  On  being 
ordered  to  give  up  his  sword  to  a  non-commissioned 
officer,  lie  refused,  but  presented  it  to  a  rebel 
Lieutenant,  who  soon  after  came  up.  He  and 
twenty  of  his  men  were  hurried  off  to  Williams- 
burg,  and  a  few  days  later  taken  to  Richmond. 
After  being  confined  there  and  at  Salsbury,  N.  C., 
several  months,  he  was  exchanged  and  rejoined  the 
Regiment  in  Maryland. 

Capt.  Cole's  Company  took  thirty-seven  prisoners, 
who  were  dispatched  to  headquarters,  under  charge 
of  Lieut.  Brett.  Wm.  Moran  (private),  not  satisfied 
with  halting  and  compelling  them  to  deliver  up 
their  arms,  made  the  prisoners  get  down  on  their 
knees  and  "surrender  unconditionally."  "  Down  on 

your  knays,  d n  you,"  was  the  order  which  he 

administered  to  every  one  he  found.  He  and  others 
of  the  Company  were  afterwards  complimented  in  a 
Special  Order  for  their  conduct  on  this  occasion. 

Separated,  and  each  one  fighting  on  their  "  own 
hook,"  it  was  marvellous  that  all  of  these  four  Com 
panies  were  not  captured  by  the  enemy.  But  owing 
to  the  heavy  rain  which  prevailed,  and  thick  under 
brush  concealing  their  strength  and  movements,  they 
not  only  effected  their  escape,  but  brought  away 
nearly  as  many  prisoners  as  they  numbered  men. 
This  constituted  a  fitting  sequel  to  the  operations 
of  the  other  portion  of  the  Regiment. 

Thus  terminated  the  Battle  of  Williainsburg,  in 


93 

which  the  Thirty-third  captured  alone  one  hundred 
and  fifty  prisoners,  and  won  the  plaudits  of  the 
whole  army  for  its  gallant  charge.  During  the  fol 
lowing  night  the  enemy  evacuated  the  city,  and  its 
surrounding  works,  retreating  back  to  the  Chicka- 
hominy.  The  Thirty-third  slept  on  their  arms,  and 
on  the  following  day  encamped  near  York  River. 

On  the  evening  of  the  7th,  Gen.  McClellan  rode 
into  camp  on  his  favorite  bay  charger,  and  the  Regi 
ment  being  drawn  up  in  line,  he  addressed  them  as 
follows : 
OFFICERS  AND  SOLDIERS  OF  THE  THIRTY-THIRD  : 

"  I  have  come  to  thank  you  in  person  for  gallant 
conduct  on  the  field  of  battle  on  the  5th  instant.  I 
will  say  to  you  what  I  have  said  to  other  Regiments 
engaged  with  you.  All  did  well — did  all  I  could 
expect.  But  you  did  more  j  you  behaved  like  Vet 
erans.  You  are  Veterans —  Veterans  of  a  hundred 
battles  could  not  have  done  better  !  Those  on  your 
left  fought  well ;  but  you  won  the  day  !  You  were 
at  the  right  point,  did  the  right  thing,  and  at  the 
right  time.  You  shall  have  Williamsburg  inscribed 
on  your  Banner" 

This  brief  speech  from  the  Commanding  General 
occasioned  the  wildest  enthusiasm  among  the  men, 
and  as  "  Little  Mac "  rode  away,  followed  by  his 
Stan',  cheer  after  cheer  rent  the  air.  During  the 
same  evening  a  beautiful  roan  horse  was  presented 
to  Adj.  Sutton  by  the  Regiment. 

5A 


94:  WLLLIAMSBURG. 


CHAPTER   IX. 

Williamsburg. —  Condition  of    the    Roads. —  Pamunkey    Ri?er— 
Contrabands. —  Arrival  of  General  Franklin. 

THE  retreat  of  the  enemy  left  Williamsburg  in 
our  possession.  No  place  in  the  Old  Dominion  is 
fraught  with  more  historic  interest  than  this  city,  it 
having  been  the  first  incorporated  town  in  the  State ; 
the  Capital  until  1769,  and  the  seat  of  the  Royal 
Government  prior  to  the  revolution  of  1776.  It  is 
now  the  Capital  of  James  City  County,  situated 
midway  between  the  James  and  York  Rivers,  sixty 
miles  east  of  Richmond  and  sixty-eight  north-west 
of  Norfolk.  Among  other  public  buildings  is  the 
Insane  Retreat,  which  in  years  past  has  been  one 
of  the  most  popular  institutions  of  the  kind  in  the 
country.  The  College  of  William  and  Mary,  found 
ed  here  in  the  time  of  King  William,  is,  next  to  Har 
vard,  the  oldest  literary  institution  in  the  United 
States,  having  been  projected  during  the  year  1693. 
King  William  gave  it  an  endowment  of  twenty  thou 
sand  dollars  and  twenty  thousand  acres  of  land,  to 
gether  with  a  revenue  of  a  penny  a  pound  on  to 
bacco  exported  from  Virginia  and  Maryland.  Other 
endowments  were  "afterwards  added.  The  College 
.buildings,  churches,  and  many  private  dwellings 
-.were  used  as  hospitals  for  the  confederate  wounded. 


GENEKAL   FRANKLIN    AT   WEST    POINT.  97 

After  a  delay  of  three  or  four  days,  in  order  to 
bring  up  supplies,  the  army  resumed  the  march 
Friday  May  9th,  for  the  Chickahominy.  The 
Thirty-third  broke  camp  early  in  the  morning,  and 
proceeding  through  Williamsburg,  bivouacked  for 
the  night,  at  "Burnt  Ordinary,"  a  small  hamlet  some 
fifteen  miles  beyond.  The  next  day  it  moved  on 
again,  encamping  near  New  Kent  Court  House. 

It  was  near  this  point  that  Gen.  Stoneman  had 
overtaken  the  rear  guard  of  the  fleeing  enemy,  who 
were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  with  a  section  of 
artillery  to  receive  him.  Evidences  of  the  conflict 
were  seen  on  every  hand,  and  many  of  our  own  and 
the  rebel  wounded  were  scattered  about  in  the  neigh 
boring  farm-houses.  While  tarrying  here,  the  roar 
of  Gen.  Franklin's  artillery  at  West  Point,  seven 
miles  away,  could  be  distinctly  heard,  and  the  result 
of  the  battle,  which  was  made  known  the  next  day, 
increased  the  buoyancy  and  confidence  of  our  troops. 

Owing  to  the  rains,  passage  of  trains,  and  steady 
tramp  of  men,  the  roads  had  now  become  reduced 
to  a  terrible  condition.  Scattered  all  along  the 
route,  were  gun-carriages,  caissons,  ambulances  and 
supply  wagons,  stuck  fast  in  the  mud  or  lying  disabled 
by  the  road-side.  Horses  and  mules,  either  dead  or 
dying  from  exhaustion,  were  seen  every  few  rods, 
and  the  ground  was  strewn  with  guns,  cartridge- 
boxes,  knapsacks  and  clothing,  which  the  fleeing  en 
emy  had  cast  aside.  Nearly  two  weeks  time  were 
occupied  in  reaching  the  Chickahominy,  between 
forty  and  fifty  miles  distant  from  Williamsburg. 


98 


CAMP    RUMORS. 


Smith's  division  resumed  the  inarch  again  on  the 
10th,  reaching  "Cumberland  .Court  House"  the  same 
day,  and  remained  there  until  the  13th,  when  it  pro 
ceeded  towards  "Cumberland  Landing,"  on  the 
Pamunkey  River. 

A  beautiful — and  after  the  long  and  tedious  march 
exhilarating — sight  here  met  the  eye.  Stretching  far 
away  to  the  left  arid  front  was  a  vast  plain,  variega 
ted  with  green  pastures,  and  field  after  field  of  cereals 
yellowing  into  maturity.  To  the  right  the  tortuous 
Pamunkey  appeared,  skirted  with  dense  forests  and 
rich  pasture  lands,  and  bearing  upon  its  sluggish 
waters  Federal  transports  of  every  description.  For 
the  first  time  in  a  twelvemonth,  vessels  flying  the 
stars  and  stripes  were  pursuing  its  serpentine  course. 
No  sooner  had  the  order  been  given  to  halt  and  stack 
arms,  than,  the  soldiers  began  to  scatter  in  every 
direction,  some  to  bathe  in  the  river,  others  to  enjoy 
a  siesta  under  the  shade  trees,  or  indulge  in  a  pipe 
of  the  royal  weed,  that  never  failing  solace  for  a  sol 
dier's  griefs. 

Reports  of  every  description  concerning  operations 
elsewhere  were  served  up  to  the  troops  here  ;  one  to 
the  effect  that  Gen.  Brooks  with  his  whole  brigade 
had  been  captured,  another  that  we  had  made  pris 
oners  of  Gen.  Magruder  and  most  of  his  force.  The 
further  we  advanced  the  more  filled  the  air  became 
with  these 

"Flying  rumors  gathering  as  they  rolled." 
Moving  five  miles  up  the  river,    Col.   Taylor's 


SEARCH   FOR   A   PICKET  :L£c?E;  101 

command  encamped  in  a  large  clover-field,  on  the 
old  Custis  estate,  at  present  in  the  possession  of 
Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee,  of  the  rebel  cavalry  service. 
On  every  side  were  magnificent  fields  of  grain,  into 
which  the  jaded  horses  and  lank  cattle  were  turned 
loose. 

Here  for  the  first  time  the" men  began  to  find 
negroes  scattered  around  on  the  plantations,  whom, 
owing  to  their  rapid  flight,  the  rebels  had  not  driven 
before  them.  Several  of  these  contrabands  were 
appropriated  by  the  officers,  and  remaining  with  the 
regiment  through  its  various  campaigns,  came  home 
with  their  new  "Masters."  Among  this  number 
was  a  comical  specimen  of  the  race,  who,  on  being 
approached  as  he  stood  huddled  together  with  a 
squad  of  fifty  or  more,  and  asked  by  Sergeant  Wind- 
chip  if  he  "would  not  like  to  see  the  north,"  replied, 
"God  bless  you,  massa,  don't  care  if  I  do."  Then 
turning  to  his  fellow  contrabands,  he  took  a  most 
affectionate  as  well  as  droll  adieu — the  tears  cours 
ing  down  his  ancient  cheeks — broke  away  from  the 
sobbing  "brothers  and  sisters"  and  "fell  into  line." 

Upon  reaching  the  White  House,  which  was  mere 
ly  a  landing  on  the  river,  the  left  wing  of  the  Regi 
ment  was  detailed  for  picket  duty,  along  with  a 
detachment  under  command  of  the  Lieut-Col,  of  the 
Seventy-seventh  New  York.  The  orders  were  to  pro 
ceed  as  far  as  a  certain  Court  House,  and  connect 
with  Gen.  Brooks'  pickets  on  the  left.  After  march 
ing  some  two  miles  and  a  half,  on  what  was  suppos 
ed  to  be  the  right  road,  they  were  suddenly  brought 
to  a  halt  by  rebel  cavalrymen,  who  fled  rapidly  on 


102  TRANSFER  TO   THE   SIXTH   CORPS. 

being  fired  at.  A  few  moments  reconnoitring  served 
to  convince  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  that  the  picket 
lines  did  not  extend  in  that  locality.  So  deploying 
his  men  in  a  wheat-field,  he  returned  to  head  quar 
ters  to  ascertain  its  whereabouts.  They  remained 
here  until  near  dark,  when  an  Aid  came  out  and 
ordered  them  into  camp.  The  laugh  over  this  fruit 
less  search  of  eight  hours  after  our  picket  line  be 
came  intensified,  when  it  was  afterwards  ascertained 
that  the  force  had  proceeded  full  a  mile  beyond  our 
outer  or  cavalry  pickets. 

The  band  serenaded  Gen.  McClellan  one  evening, 
when  he  sent  an  Aid  to  extend  his  compliments  to 
the  regiment.  There  was  a  perfect  forest  of  masts 
here ;  government  transports  constantly  arriving  and 
departing,  and  on  every  side  was  seen  the  cease 
less  activity  which  marks  an  active  campaign. 

Gen.  Franklin  soon  reached  this  point  and  assumed 
charge  of  the  6th  corps,  to  which  Gen.  Smith's  Divis 
ion  was  assigned.  Prior  to  that  time  it  had  been  in 
Gen.  Keyes'  corps  and  comprised  a  portion  of  the 
left  wing  of  the  army.  But  this  change  brought  the 
Division  on  the  extreme  right.  Monday,  19th,  the 
Brigade  moved  up  the  river  six  miles,  and  halted  on 
the  farm  of  an  ^Esculapian  rebel,  whom  his  contra 
bands  described  as  suddenly  seized  with  the  gout 
on  our  approach.  The  boys  designated  this  place  as 
"Camp  Onion,"  owing  to  the  quantities  of  this  odor 
iferous  vegetable  which  were  hawked  through  the 
encampment.  Saturday,  May  21st,  the  march  was  re 
sumed,  the  division  proceeding  to  within  eleven  miles 
of  Richmond. 


BATTLE   OF   MECHANICSVILLB.  103 


CHAPTEE  X. 
BATTLE    OF    MECHANICSVILLE. 

Two  days  later  Gen.  Stoneman  pushed  forward 
with  cavalry  and  artillery,  on  a  bold  reconnoissance 
toward  the  rebel  capital.  Gen.  Davidson's  Brigade 
followed,  as  a  support,  the  rest  of  the  Division  remain 
ing  behind.  About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the 
General  fell  in  with  the  enemy — "Howell.Cobb's  Bri 
gade" — who  retreated  after  a  few  shots  had  been  ex 
changed.  Stoneman  again  moved  forward,  halting  for 
the  night  just  east  of  Beaver  Dam  Creek,  and  the  Bri 
gade,  crossing  over,  took  up  position  on  an  elevated 
spot,  and  slept  on  their  arms.  This  creek  is  a  nar 
row,  muddy  stream,  emptying  into  the  Chicka- 
hominy. 

A  part  of  the  Thirty-third  were  employed  on  pick 
et  duty  until  the  next  morning,  being  stationed  in 
close  proximity  to  the  rebels.  At  daybreak  the 
infantry  pushed  on  towards  Mechanics ville  ;  General 
Stoneman  with  the  cavalry  proceeding  further  to  the 
right.  Three  companies  of  the  Thirty-third  acted 
as  the  advance  guard,  and  were  deployed  as  skir 
mishers.  When  within  two  hundred  yards  of  Me- 
chanicsville,  the  rebels,  who  had  fallen  back  during 


104  33RD    SKIRMISHERS    BETWEEN   TWO    FIRES. 

the  night,  were  discovered  drawn  up  in  the  principal 
street,  and  in  a  neighboring  grove.  The  skirmishers 
immediatedly  opened  upon  them,  when  taking  ref 
uge  in  buildings  and  behind  walls,  they  returned  the 
fire. 

The  whole  Brigade  now  moved  up  on  both  sides 
of  the  road,  and  two  sections  of  Wheeler's  battery 
were  got  into  position,  and  commenced  tossing  shell 
into  the  village.  This  placed  the  skirmishers  be 
tween  two  fires,  and  for  a  time,  they  were  nearly  as 
much  exposed  to  our  own  as  the  rebels.  One  had 
his  canteen  perforated  by  a  piece  of  shell  thrown 
from  the  Union  battery,  another  had  a  part  of  his 
shoe  taken  away.  The  firing  of  the  rebel  cannon- 
iers,  at  first  slow,  became  very  rapid  and  accurate  as 
the  battle  progressed.  One  solid  shot  passed  be 
tween  Major  Platner  and  Captain  Guion,  as  they 
stood  conversing  together.  A  second  whizzed  close 
by  the  head  of  Colonel  Taylor's  horse,  and  a  third 
striking  the  roll  of  blankets  strapped  on  behind  a 
horseman,  threw  them  high  into  the  air.  Every  one 
held  their  breath  for  a  moment,  supposing  that  it  was 
the  rider  himself,  but  he  escaped  unharmed. 

The  guns  were  afterwards  removed  to  the  right  of 
the  skirmishers,  and  a  section  of  flying  artillery  post 
ed  on  the  left.  A  heavy  fire  was  now  concentrated 
on  the  buildings  in  which  the  confederates  had 
concealed  themselves,  soon  causing  an  exodus  on 
their  part,  and  the  whole  force  commenced  falling 
back  in  the  direction  of  Richmond.  Seeing  this, 
Gen.  Davidson  ordered  a  charge,  when  the  Thirty- 


FRIGHT   OF   THE    CITIZENS.  107 

third  and  Seventy-seventh  gallantly  charged  down 
upon  the  place,  driving  everything  before  them. 

Large  numbers  of  knapsacks  and  blankets  which 
the  rebels  had  thrown  away  in  their  flight  were  pick 
ed  up  in  the  streets.  They  were  most  of  them  marked 
"Rome  (Ga.)  Light  Guards."  Guns,  equipments, 
blankets,  and  other  materials  of  war,  were  likewise 
found  in  large  quantities.  Nearly  all  the  houses 
were  more  or  less  pockmarked  with  shot  and 
shell.  The  Mayor's  residence,  an  elegant  mansion, 
had  been  struck  seventeen  different  times.  Those 
of  the  inhabitants  who  had  not  fled,  were  found 
packed  away  like  sardines,  in  cellars  and  other 
places  of  refuge.  They  were  very  much  frighten 
ed,  and  not  until  repeatedly  assured  that  we  would 
not  harm  them,  could  they  be  prevailed  upon  to 
come  out. 

After  taking  possession  of  the  village,  a  line  of 
skirmishers  was  thrown  out  half  a  mile  on  the 
Richmond  road.  Detachments  of  the  Thirty-third, 
Seventh  Maine,  and  five  companies  of  cavalry  were 
left  in  charge  of  the  town.  They  were  relieved 
upon  the  following  day,  and  rejoined  their  regiments 
on  the  Beaver  Dam,  to  which  the  Brigade  had 
returned  after  the  engagement.  Some  members  of 
Company  E  discovered  a  grist  mill  here,  and  spent 
most  of  the  night  in  grinding  corn,  and  making  hoe- 
cake. 

Gen.  Stoneman  had  in  the  meantime  proceeded 
several  miles  to  the  right,  and  accomplished  the  ob 
ject  of  the  expedition  by  destroying  the  Richmond 


108  PROXIMITY   TO    RICHMOND. 

and  Fredericksburg  railroad  bridge  over  the  Chick- 
ahominy. 

With  one  exception  this  was  the  nearest  point 
attained  to  Richmond  during  the  entire  Peninsular 
campaign.  Gen.  Hooker,  after  the  battle  of  Fair 
Oaks,  followed  the  fleeing  enemy  to  within  less  than 
four  miles  of  their  capital. 

That  it  could  then  have  been  taken  had  General 
Davidson's  brigade  been  reinforced  and  permitted  to 
proceed,  is  a  truth  which  admits  of  no  denial. 
There  were  no  rebel  forces  between  Mechanicsville 
and  the  city,  with  the  exception  of  those  driven 
from  the  former  place,  they  being  concentrated  on 
the  left  of  our  lines.  There  were  no  fortifications 
of  any  extent  on  that  side  of  the  capital,  as  the 
attack  was  expected  to  be  made  from  the  other 
direction.  The  approaches  were  all  left  open,  and 
the  appearance  of  this  single  brigade  of  "Yankees" 
struck  terror  to  the  rebels,  who  inferred  that  all  was 
lost. 


109 


CIIAPTEE  XL 

"Gaines'  Farm." — Liberty  Hall. — Battle  of  Seven  Pines. — Fair 
Oaks. — Rapid  rise  of  the  Chickahominy. — The  Gaines  Estate. 
— An  aged  Negro. — Golden's  Farm. — Camp  Lincoln. — Letter 
from  an  Officer. 

DAVIDSON'S  brigade  again  moved  from  Beaver 
Dam  Creek,  on  the  26th  of  May,  down  the  left  bank 
of  the  Chickahominy  (the  enemy  throwing  a  few 
shells  at  them  as  they  marched),  and  encamped  on 
"Gaines'  Farm,"  where  they  remained  until  the 
5th  of  June,  performing  picket  duty  and  building 
corduroy  roads.  ~Not  far  from  here  was  "Liberty 
Hall,"  where  Patrick  Henry  was  born,  May  29, 
1736.  The  building,  which  his  father  had  used  as  a 
grammar  school,  was  now  appropriated  for  a  Na 
tional  Hospital,  and  the  little  farm  on  which  Patrick 
had  commenced  life  in  company  with  his  young  wife, 
the  daughter  of  a  neighboring  farmer,  occupied  by 
our  troops. 

General  Keyes'  corps,  followed  by  that  of  General 
Heintzelman,  had  now  crossed  the  Chickahominy, 
the  remainder  of  the  army  still  resting  on  the  left- 
bank.  General  Casey's  division  held  the  extreme 

6 


110 


BATTLE    OF    SEVEN    TINES. 


advance ;  his  pickets  being  within  five  miles  of  Rich- 
rnond.  Relying  upon  the  sudden  and  rapid  rise  of 
the  river  preventing  our  crossing  over  more  troops, 
G-en'l  Johnston,  then  commander  of  the  rebel  forces, 


Liberty  Hall,  Birth-place  of  Patrick  Henry. 

hurled  his  whole  army  upon  these  two  corps  on  the 
morning  of  the  31st,  with  the  expectation  of  annihi 
lating  them.  Casey's  Division,  which  bore  the  brunt 
of  the  attack,  was  forced  back  from  their  rifle-pits  and 
second  line  of  battle,  after  fighting  for  several  hours 
and  losing  1,443  men. 

The  courageous  Sumner,  who,  notwithstanding  the 
freshet,  had  crossed  his  corps,  now  drove  fiercely  at 
the  enemy,  and  saved  the  left  wing  from  destruction. 
Yet  the  whole  force  was  obliged  to  fall  back  nearly 
two  miles,  owing  to  the  overwhelming  numbers  and 
impetuous  onslaught  of  the  rebels.  Here  they 
maintained  their  ground,  refusing  to  yield  an  inch 


BATTLE   OF   FAIR   OAXS.  Ill 

more,  and  the  fighting  ended  for  the  day.  This 
was  known  as  the  battle  of  Seven  Pines. 

The  enemy  renewed  the  conflict  on  the  morrow, 
attacking  General  Simmer  at  "  Fair  Oaks,"  from 
which  the  second  day's  struggle  derives  its  name. 
They  were  everywhere  repulsed,  and  compelled  to 
retreat  back  to  their  stronghold,  followed  by  our 
victorious  troops  to  within  four  miles  of  the  capital, 
when,  for  a  second  time,  it  was  given  up  for  lost. 
"  The  enemy,"  wrote  General  McClellan  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  after  the  close  of  the  contest, 
"  attacked  in  force,  and  with  great  spirit,  yesterday 
morning,  but  are  everywhere  most  signally  repulsed 
with  great  loss.  Our  troops  charged  frequently  on 
both  days,  and  uniformly  broke  the  enemy.  The 
result  is,  that  our  left  is  within  four  miles  of  Rich 
mond.  I  only  wait  for  the  river  to  fall  to  cross  with 
the  rest  of  the  force  and  make  a  general  attack. 
Should  I  find  them  holding  firm  in  a  very  strong 
position,  I  may  wait  for  what  troops  I  can  bring  up 
from  Fort  Monroe.  But  the  morale  of  my  troops  is 
now  such  that  I  can  venture  much.  I  do  not  fear 
for  odds  against  me.  The  victory  is  complete,  and 
all  credit  is  due  to  the  gallantry  of  our  officers  and 
men." 

The  Thirty-third,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
conflict,  was  doing  picket  duty  near  one  of  the 
bridges  which  were  being  constructed  over  the 
Chickahominy.  So  sudden  was  the  rise  in  the  river, 
that  the  force  which  proceeded  at  two  o'clock  Sun 
day  morning  to  relieve  the  pickets  stationed  near 


112  THE    GAINES    ESTATE. 

the  bridge  three  hours  previous,  found  them  nearly 
surrounded  with  water.  Some  were  standing  up  to 
their  arm-pits  in  the  now  new  channel,  and  others, 
having  lost  their  footing,  were  clinging  to  trees,  for 
dear  life.  Boats  were  obtained,  and  they  were 
rescued  from  their  perilous  position.  At  3  o'clock, 
General  Brooks  came  down  to  the  river  with  his 
Brigade,  the  second  in  Smith's  Division — Davidson's 
being  the  third,  and  Hancock's  the  first, —  to 
cross  over  and  render  what  assistance  he  could  on 
the  opposite  side.  By  this  time  the  bridge  was 
most  of  it  swept  away,  and  the  General,  instead  of 
attempting  to  cross,  set  his  men  to  repairing  it.  At 
sunrise  the  river  had  overflowed  to  the  width  of  half 
a  mile,  and  he  experienced  much  difficulty  in  getting 
his  troops  back  to  dry  land  again.  All  day  Sunday 
the  heavy  roar  of  artillery  and  sharp  firing  of  mus 
ketry  could  be  heard.  Just  at  night,  General 
McClellan,  accompanied  by  General  Hancock,  rode 
down  to  the  right  -of  the  Thirty-third,  where  they 
remained  until  dark,  watching  the  progress  of  the 
battle. 

Dr.  Gaines,  the  owner  of  the  farm  on  which  the 
Regiment  was  now  encamped,  possessed  one  of  the 
finest  estates  in  Virginia.  One  wheat  field  alone 
comprised  four  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  In  the  rear 
of  his  dwelling,  furnished  in  the  most  costly  manner, 
was  a  picturesque  grove,  which  furnished  a  cool 
retreat  for  the  officers  during  the  intense  heat  of  the 
mid-day.  In  front  was  an  extensive  garden,  abound 
ing  in  flowers  and  shrubs  of  native  and  foreign 


CROSSING   THE   CHICKAHOMINY.  115 

with  all  its  beautiful  surroundings,  was  overrun  by 
the  "  invader." 

The  Regiment  remained  here  until  the  5th  of 
June,  when  the  Division  was  ordered  to  cross  the 
Chickahominy  and  encamp  on  "  Golden's  Farm," 
nearly  opposite.  The  Third  Brigade  took  the  advance. 
Owing  to  the  high  stage  of  the  water,  it  was  obliged 
to  proceed  down  the  river  to  "  Dispatch  Station," 
before  effecting  a  crossing.  When  inarching  up  on 
the  opposite  bank,  the  men  fell  in  with  a  gray-haired, 
toothless  negro,  102  years  of  age,  who  entertained 
them  with  a  recital  of  many  incidents  which  had 
transpired  during  his  long  period  of  slave  life. 
After  having  marched  over  fifteen  miles  to  reach  a 
point  only  three  miles  oppposite  the  old  encamp 
ment,  the  Thirty-third  arrived  at  Golden's  Farm, 
where  Baxter's  Fire  Zouaves,  of  Philadelphia,  were 
found  briskly  skirmishing  with  the  enemy. 

Our  artillery,  which  immediately  opened  upon 
them,  put  the  rebels  to  flight,  and  the  picket  line  was 
moved  forward,  for  some  distance.  Col.  Taylor  halted 
his  command  in  a  beautiful  cornfield,  and  on  the  fol 
lowing  day  occupied  a  more  advanced  position,  less 
than  one  thousand  yards  from  the  enemy's  lines. 
There  it  remained  until  the  28th  of  June,  the  spot 
being  christened  "  Camp  Lincoln." 

An  officer  of  the  Regiment,  in  a  communication 
from  here,  dated  June  8th,  wrote : 

"  We  are  now  six  miles  from  Richmond,  behind 
entrenchments,  waiting  for  something  to  turn  up. 
The  pickets  are  very  close  together,  and  many 


116  A   NOVEL    MODE   OF    COMMUNICATION. 

prisoners  are  coming  in  every  day.  A  Sergeant  and 
five  men  just  came  through  the  lines,  and  reported 
to  Colonel  Taylor,  Field  Officer  of  the  day.  The 
Sergeant  is  from  Ulster  County,  N.  Y.  Doubtless 
a  great  number  would  desert,  if  it  were  possible  to 
do  so  without  incurring  danger.  Yesterday  much 
amusement  was  created  by  the  operation  of  a  new 
and  original  line  of  telegraph  between  our  forces  and 
the  enemy.  It  seems  a  number  of  dogs  have  been 
wandering  around  in  front  for  some  days.  'One  of 
them  yesterday  came  in  with  a  letter  tied  around  his 
neck.  It  was  read  by  our  men,  the  Thirty-third 
being  on  picket  duty  at  the  time,  and  an  answer 
sent  back  the  same  way ;  another  note  was  likewise 
'written,  and  answered.  The  import  of  the  first  letter 
was,  that  they  were  much  '  obliged  for  the  tender  of 
cannon  they  took  from  us  the  other  day,  and  any 
thing  more  of  the  same  sort  sent  them,  they  would 
cheerfully  receive.'  No  doubt  of  it.  The  second  was 
rough  in  its  language,  and  full  of  empty  boastings. 
The  battle-field  of  last  Saturday  week  is  close  by  us, 
and  bears  evidence  of  the  murderous  conflict,  when 
tens  of  thousands  bore  down  upon  barely  a  Division, 
and  unsuccessfully  tried  to  cut  them  off,  or  thrust  or 
crush  them  into  the  river. 

The  difficulties  attendant  upon  transporting  troops 
and  various  munitions  of  war,  has  retarded  us  some, 
but  now  we  are  ready.  This  morning  (the  Sabbath) 
there  was  some  sharp  firing  in  front,  but  it  was 
quickly  subdued  by  a  battery  of  our  20-pounders. 
A  new  Eegiment  has  been  added  to  our  Brigade— 


GENERAL   PRIM.  117 

Col.  Max  Weber's  Regiment— the  20th  N.  Y.  Yols. 
We  have  a  fine  Brigade  now,  and  our  General 
thinks  an  effective  one.  Our  picket  line  has  been 
advanced  twice,  the  enemy  retiring  each  time.  The 
regular  receipt  of  the  mails  has  been  interrupted 
again,  and  of  course  is  a  source  of  regret  to  us. 
Sitting  on  the  ramparts  of  our  rifle-pits  this  morn 
ing,  writing  this  letter,  the  view  looking  up  the 
river,  reminds  one  of  Big  Flats,  at  Geneseo,  flooded 
by  heavy  rains.  The  stream  here  is  unusually  high. 
An  old  negro,  102  years  old,  who  has  always  lived 
in  this  section,  says  that  he  never  knew  such  an 
immense  quantity  of  rain  to  fall  before  in  the  same 
space  of  time,  at  this  season  of  the  year.  Gen. 
Prim  and  Staff,  with  our  Division  Staff,  just  passed 
through  our  camp  on  a  reconnoissance  to  the  front." 

6A 


118  SHELLING   BY   THE    ENEMY. 


CHAPTER  XIL 

Proximity  to  the  Rebels. — Colonel  Taylor  fired  at  by  a  Sharp 
shooter. — Picket  Skirmishing. — Building  a  Bridge. — Position  of 
Affairs.  —  General  McClellan  Reconnoitring. — He  writes  to  the 
President. — Lee's  Plans. — Second  Battle  of  Mechanicsville. — 
Shelling  the  Thirty-third's  Camp.— Battle  of  Games'  Farm.— 
A  Retreat  to  the  James  decided  upon. 

SOON  after  reaching  "  Camp  Lincoln,"  the  Thirty- 
third  was  set  to  work  on  a  formidable  redoubt,  since 
known  as  "  Fort  Davidson,"  and  likewise  construct 
ed  numerous  rifle-pits.  The  enemy  daily  threw 
shot  and  shell  at  our  encampments,  apparently  for 
mere  pastime,  many  of  them  striking  among  the 
tents.  On  one  occasion  a  round  shot,  passing  entire 
ly  over  the  officers'  quarters,  killed  Dr.  Spencer's 
Orderly  in  th#  rear.  Not  long  after  another  came 
whizzing  through  the  air,  and  carried  away  the 
shoulder  blade  of  a  reckless  cavalryman,  who  was 
laughing  as  he  rode  along  at  the  manoeuvres  of  the 
men,  declaring  that  he  would  not  "  dodge  for  their 
guns."  A  member  of  the  Seventy-seventh  was 
killed  in  hospital  close  by. 

The  rebels  also  had  a  very  disagreeable  habit  of 
climbing  up  in  the  forest  trees  and  firing  at  us,  some 
times  even  when  sitting  in  the  camp  doors.  One 
afternoon,  as  Colonel  Taylor  was  reclining  upon  a 


BUILDING    A   BRIDGE.  121 

lounge  in  the  Lieutenant  Colonel's  tent,  a  sharp 
shooter  deliberately  fired  at  him  from  a  neighboring 
tree,  the  ball  passing  through  the  lounge  and  out  at 
the  back  side  of  the  tent.  lie  immediately  ordered 
out  several  of  his  best  shots  to  pick  off  the  impu 
dent  rebel. 

Kot  content  with  constantly  annoying  us  during 
the  daytime,  they  frequently  got  up  night  demon 
strations,  compelling  our  "troops"  to  turn  out  at 
very  unseasonable  hours.  The  Thirty-third  were 
aroused  from  their  slumbers  one  night  by  the  burst 
ing  of  a  shell  directly  over  the  centre  of  the  encamp 
ment.  Gorman's  Brigade  frequently  engaged  in 
these  night  skirmishes.  Colonel  Taylor's  command 
rarely  indulged  in  picket  firing,  as  many  of  the 
Regiments  did,  unless  it  was  provoked  by  the  enemy. 
This  custom,  so  prevalent  at  the  commencement  of 
the  war,  has  almost  wholly  ceased,  and  now,  instead 
of  "  blazing  away"  on  the  slightest  pretext,  the 
pickets  patrol  their  beats  month  after  month  within 
speaking  distance,  without  molesting  one  another. 

As  the  month  advanced,  the  troops  were  kept 
busily  employed  in  throwing  up  breastworks  and 
constructing  a  new  bridge  over  the  Chickahominy, 
below  the  point  where  the  lowest  of  the  three  pre 
viously  carried  away  by  the  freshet  was  built.  Fre 
quently  they  were  compelled  to  stand  waist  deep  in 
the  water,  while  cutting  timbers,  which  were  carried 
to  the  river  on  handspikes,  many  of  them  requiring 
sixteen  or  more  men  to  transport  them.  Tliis 
bridge,  when  completed,  was  an  imposing  structure, 


122  GEN.  M'CLELLAN  IN  A  TREE  TOP. 

and  afterwards  saved  the  right  wing  of  the  army,  by 
furnishing  a  passage  to  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river,  when  the  rebel  legions  were  hurled  against  it 
with  such  rapidity  and  violence. 

Nearly  three  months  had  now  elapsed  since  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  landed  at  Fortress  Monroe, 
and  began  the  Peninsular  Campaign.  York  town 
had  been  evacuated,  the  bloody  battles  of  "Williams- 
burg,"  «  West  Point,"  "  Fair  Oaks"  and  «  Seven 
Pines,"  besides  several  lesser  engagements,  fought, 
the  troops  arrived  before  and  around  Richmond,  and 
our  labors  were  apparently  about  to  be  crowned 
with  success  by  its  capture. 

One  evening,  about  the  20th  of  the  month,  Gen. 
McClellan,  accompanied  by  Gens.  Smith,  Gorman 
and  Porter,  rode  down  to  the  picket  line  where 
Captain  Warford,  with  his  Company,  was  stationed. 
After  removing  their  coats,  in  order  to  conceal  their 
rank,  and  fording  a  small  creek,  they  ascended  to  a 
tree-top  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  position.  Their 
pickets  were  only  about  twenty  rods  distant,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  a  wheat  field.  Descending,  the 
Commander-in  Chief  remarked  to  Gen.  Smith,  with 
a  smile  on  his  face,  "  I  have  got  them  now,"  accom 
panying  the  remark  with  a  significant  doubling  up 
of  his  right  fist.  His  army  then  numbered  one 
hundred  and  fifteen  thousand  men  fit  for  duty. 

A  few  brief  hours  served  to  dispel  the  visions  of 
success  and  glory  which  had  brightened  up  his  coun 
tenance.  On  the  evening  of  the  25th,  Gen.  Mc 
Clellan  telegraphed  to  the  President :  "  I  incline  to 


GEN.    LEE'S    OFFENSIVE    PLANS.  123 

think  that  Jackson  will  attack  my  right  and  rear. 
The  rebel  force  is  stated  at  two  hundred  thousand, 
including  Jackson  and  Beauregard.  I  shall  have  to 
contend  against  vastly  superior  odds,  if  these  reports 
be  true,  but  this  army  will  do  all  in  the  power  of 
man  to  hold  their  position,  and  repulse  an  attack. 
I  regret  my  inferiority  in  numbers,  but  feel  that  I 
am  in  no  way  responsible  for  it,  as  I  have  not  failed 
to  represent  repeatedly  the  necessity  of  reinforce 
ments  ;  that  this  was  the  decisive  point,  and  that  all 
should  be  concentrated  here.  I  will  do  all  that  a 
General  can  do,  with  the  splendid  army  I  have  the 
honor  to  command,  and  if  it  is  destroyed  by  over 
whelming  numbers,  can  at  least  die  with  it  and  share 

its  fate I  shall  probably  be  attacked 

to-morrow,  and  now  go  to  the  other  side  of  the 
Chickahominy  to  arrange  for  the  defence  on  that  side." 
The  reader  will  understand  that  our  army  was 
then  arranged  in  the  form  of  a  semi-circle,  extending 
across  the  Chickahominy,  the  left  resting  upon 
Savage's  Station,  and  the  right  upon  Mechanicsville, 
In  the  rear  of  the  right  wing  was  "  White  House," 
on  the  Pamunkey  River,  used  as  a  base  of  supplies 
for  the  army,  which  were  brought  by  way  of  York 
River.  The  plan  of  Gen.  Lee,  who  had  now  suc 
ceeded  Gen.  Johnston,  was  to  concentrate  his  whole 
force  on  our  right  wing,  destroy  it  before  the  troops 
on  the  other  side  of  the  river  could  be  brought 
against  him,  gain  possession  of  White  House,  there 
by  cutting  off  our  supplies  as  well  as  way  of  retreat, 
and  capture  the  entire  army.  He  had  no  sooner 


124  BATTLE   OF   GAINES'    FARM. 

however,  taken  the  initiatory  step  in  this  pro. 
gramme,  by  calling  Jackson  to  his  assistance,  than 
Gen.  McClellan,  as  appears  from  the  above  letter 
to  the  President,  divined  his  whole  strategy. 

On  the  afternoon  of  Thursday,  June  26th,  the 
enemy  fell  upon  Gen.  McCall's  Division  at  Mechan- 
icsville.  Reynolds'  and  Seymour's  Brigades  bore 
the  brunt  of  the  attack.  The  battle  continued  until 
sundown,  when  the  rebels  were  handsomely  repul 
sed.  At  midnight  the  force  fell  back,  in  accordance 
with  orders,  to  "  Games'  Farm,"  wrhere  was  fought 
the  bloody  engagement  of  Friday,  June  27th,  re 
sulting  in  a  Federal  loss  of  9,000  killed,  wounded 
and  missing.  Smith's  Division,  it  will  be  remem 
bered,  was  now  located  nearly  opposite  from  Games' 
Farm,  or  Mill. 

While  the  battle  was  progressing,  on  Thursday,  at 
Mechanicsville,  the  enemy  stationed  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  river  opened  a  furious  cannonade  on  Gen. 
Smith,  to  divert  attention.  The  tents  of  the  Thirty- 
third  were  considerably  damaged  with  shot  and 
shell,  and  the  horses  of  the  Major  and  Quartermaster 
killed,  in  addition  to  several  other  animals.  Very 
fortunately  the  men  had  just  completed  a  formidable 
breastwork  directly  in  front  of  the  encampment,  and 
taking  refuge  behind  tin's,  none  of  them  were 
killed. 

The  contrabands,  of  whom'  a  considerable  number 
now  accompanied  the  Regiment,  were  terribly 
frightened,  and  scampered  away  rapidly.  Two  of 
them  sought  refuge  behind  a  pile  of  cracker-boxes,  but 


FRIGHTENED   CONTRABANDS.  125 

they  had  hardly  gained  this  shelter  before  a  bursting 
shell  scattered  the  boxes  and  contents  in  all  direc 
tions,  much  to  the  horror  of  the  fleeing  negroes  and 
amusement  of  the  soldiers,  who  were  ensconced 
away  behind  the  earthworks.  Several  of  them 
received  such  a  fright  that  they  were  never  seen 
afterwards.  Of  this  number  was  one  of  the  negroes 
who  communicated  the  information  before  York- 
town  of  its  evacuation. 

On  the  following  day,  the  27th,  a  portion  of  Gen. 
Franklin's  Corps  was  sent  back  across  the  river  to 
aid  Gen.  Porter  in  holding  his  position  at  Games' 
Farm.  Several  of  our  batteries  were  likewise 
wheeled  about  and  brought  to  bear  upon  the  enemy. 
But  these  and  other  reinforcements  were  not  suffi 
cient  to  turn  the  tide  of  battle.  The  overwhelming 
numbers  of  the  enemy,  estimated  by  Gen.  McClellan 
at  full  eighty  thousand,  precluded  any  hope  of  suc 
cessfully  resisting  them  and  maintaining  the  position. 
All  the  troops  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river  accord 
ingly  crossed  that  night  to  the  opposite  side,  destroy 
ing  the  bridge  after  them. 

Gen.  McClellan  immediately  summoned  several 
of  his  Generals,  and  informed  them  that  there  was 
only  one  of  two  things  to  be  done,  either  to  mass  all 
of  his  troops  at  that  point,  near  "  Golden's  Farm," 
and  risk  a  sanguinary  battle,  or  to  retire  immediately 
and  rapidly  to  the  James  River.  In  the  former 
case, "  defeat  would  ensure  the  destruction  of  the 
army,  whereas  by  abandoning  the  siege  of  Richmond 
for  the  time  being,  he  could  retreat  in  safety  to  the 


126  A   RETREAT   DECIDED    UPON. 

James,  saving  most  of  his  men  and  material.  The 
result  of  the  interview  was  a  determination  on  the 
part  of  the  Commanding  General  to  "  change  his 
base,"  and,  under  cover  of  night,  preparations  were 
made  for  the  retreat. 


CONTINUED   FIGHTING.  127 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
BATTL.E    OF    G-OLDEN'S    FARM. 

During  the  following  morning,  Saturday,  June 
2Sth,  Col.  Taylor,  in  accordance  with  orders  from 
Gen.  Smith,  moved  with  a  portion  of  his  command  to 
relieve  and  support  the  picket  line,  then  within  two 
hundred  yards  of  the  enemy,  leaving  the  remainder 
in  camp,  under  command  of  acting  Adjutant  Tyler, 
to  strike  tents,  secure  baggage,  &c.,  preparatory  to 
retreating.  The  men  had  hardly  reached  the  picket 
line  before  the  confederates  opened  a  heavy  artillery 
fire  from  twenty  pieces,  which  was  mainly  concen 
trated  upon  the  camp. 

Shot  and  shell  flew  in  every  direction,  crashing 
through  the  trees,  ploughing  up  the  ground,  com 
pletely  riddling  the  tents,  firing  the  baggage  and 
commissary  stores,  and  rendering  every  foot  of  the 
camp  enclosure  untenable.  The  camp  guard,  pris 
oners,  sick,  convalescents  and,  others,  seizing  their 
arms,  immediately  sought  refuge  behind  the  earth 
works,  consisting  of  ditches  and  the  breastwork  in 
front,  which  had  afforded  such  good  protection  on 
the  Thursday  previous. 

Several  of  the  enemy's  missiles  struck  the  breast- 


A    GALLANT    ACT. 

works  and  rolled  over,  occasioning  not  a  little  confu 
sion.  One  shell  dropped  down  into  the  ditch 
beneath  the  parapet  among  the  men,  but  was  quick 
ly  tossed  out  by  J.  W.  Hendricks,  Co.  A,  and  again 
taken  up  by  Peter  Roach,  of  the  same  Company, 
and  thrown  down  the  hill,  where  it  exploded,  doing 
no  injury.  This  heroic  deed  of  these  brave  fellows 
undoubtedly  saved  the  lives  of  several  of  their  com 
rades  at  the  imminent  peril  of  their  own. 

Not  being  replied  to  by  our  guns,  nearly  all  of 
which  had  been  taken  to  the  rear  to  form  in  the 
line  of  retreat,  their  artillery  firing  ceased  at  the 
end  of  an  hour,  leading  our  officers  to  infer  that  the 
rebels  had  withdrawn  to  some  other  point.  The  mis 
take  was  soon  discovered,  however,  when  the  picket 
line  (embracing,  in  addition  to  a  part  of  the  Thirty- 
third,  two  companies  of  the  Forty-ninth  Pennsyl 
vania),  which  had  firmly  maintained  its  position,  in 
spite  of  the  artillery  fire,  was  fiercely  attacked  by' 
two  full  regiments  of  infantry. 

The  men  stood  their  ground  manfully  at  first, 
but  were  at  length  forced  back  to  the  earthworks, 
wheeling  and  firing  steadily  as  they  retreated.  The 
defences  gained,  and  the  co-operation  of  the  remain 
der  of  the  Regiment  secured,  a  most  gallant  stand 
was  made.  Colonel  Taylor  had  hardly  stationed  the 
men  in  their  places  before  the  rebels,  flushed  with 
their  first  success,  and  confident  of  easily  storming 
the  defences  and  capturing  the  defenders,  came 
charging  furiously  down  upon  them. 

All  became  hushed  along  the  line    as  the  men 


THE    ENEMY    PUT   TO    FLIGHT.  129 

nerved  themselves  for  the  encounter.  The  orders 
to  "  reserve  fire,"  "  fire  low,"  &c.,  were  given  in  a 
quiet  undertone,  and  the  soldiers,  bringing  their  fire 
locks  to  their  shoulders  and  resting  them  over  the 
top  of  the  parapet,  calmly  waited  the  approach  of 
the  enemy.  On  they  came,  yelling  and  shouting 
like  demons,  till  within  a  few  yards  of  the  breast 
work  when  there  instantly  shot  forth  from  behind 
it  a  sheet  of  flame,  followed  by  another  and  another, 
until,  staggered  by  the  galling  fire,  the  rebels  waver 
ed,  broke  and  fled  in  great  disorder  from  the  field. 

When  the  smoke  cleared  away  the  number  of 
killed  and  wounded  that  appeared  scattered  upon 
the  ground  testified  to  the  accuracy  of  our  aim. 
Nearly  every  one  had  brought  down  his  man.  They 
continued  firing  upon  the  retreating  enemy  until 
out  of  range.  Not  satisfied  with  the  reception 
which  they  had  received,  the  confederates,  re-form 
ing,  again  advanced,  though  more  cautiously  than  at 
first.  But  they  were  again  met  by  a  murderous 
fire  and  compelled  to  fall  back,  leaving  many  of 
their  number  on  the  field. 

Maddened  by  the  defeat  and  carnage  which  had 
taken  place  around  him,  Colonel  Lamar,  of  the 
Eighth  Ga.,  who  commanded  the  enemy,  now 
sprang  forward  in  front  of  his  men,  and,  waving  his 
sword  and  hat  in  the  air,  incited  them  to  a  renewal 
of  the  charge.  Over  a  hundred  rifles  were  instantly 
levelled  at  him,  and  he  fell,  dangerously  wounded,  to 
the  ground.  At  the  same  time  a  section  of  Mott's 
battery,  which  had  come  up,  opened  an  enfilading 


130  PRISONERS    AND   ARMS    SECURED. 

fire  upon  them  from  the  left,  and  the  victory  was 
complete,  the  enemy  fleeing  in  all  directions. 

Huzza  after  huzza  followed  from  our  men,  who 
could  be  restrained  only  with  the  greatest  difficulty 
from  leaping  over  the  parapet  and  pursuing  them. 
This  it  would  not  have  been  prudent  to  do,  owing  to 
the  great  disparity  in  numbers.  A  small  party  was,  • 
however,  sent  forward  to  secure  several  prisoners 
who  had  voluntarily  surrendered,  and  also  our 
wounded. 

This  attempt,  on  the  part  of  the  Seventh  and  Eighth 
Ga.  Regiments,  to  capture  the  Thirty-third,  resulted 
to  them  in  a  loss  of  91  killed  and  left  upon  the  field, 
a  large  number  of  wounded,  50  prisoners,  including 
the  wounded  Col.  Lamar  of  the  Eighth  and  Lieut. 
Colonel  Tower  of  the  Seventh  Ga.,  and  two  hundred 
stand  of  arms.  "We  lost  several,  in  killed  and 
wounded,  during  the  first  part  of  the  engagement, 
when  forced  back  to  the  entrenchments.  A  num 
ber  were  also  taken  prisoners,  including  Captain 
Hamilton,  of  Company  G,  who  was  exchanged,  and 
returned  to  the  Regiment  at  Harrison's  Landing. 
The  enemy's  balls  mostly  passed  several  feet  over, 
or  lodged  in  the  earthworks,  doing  but  little  injury. 

First  Lieutenant  Moses  Church,  of  Company  E, 
fearless  to  a  fault,  seized  a  musket  and,  going  out 
from  behind  the  protection  of  the  works,  fired  re 
peatedly,  with  deliberate  aim,  at  the  advancing  rebels, 
until  he  dropped  dead,  pierced  through  the  head 
with  a  minie  ball.  He  was  a  brave  and  beloved 
officer,  and  was  buried  close  to  the  spot  where  he 


AN    AFFECTING    INCIDENT.  131 

so  nobly  died.  Private  Hildreth,  of  the  same  Com 
pany,  also  exposed  himself  in  a  similar  manner,  and 
was  shot  dead,  the  ball  penetrating  his  eye. 

Immediately  after  the  final  discomfiture  of  the 
rebels,  Major  Platner  was  sent  by  Colonel  Taylor  to 
establish  a  new  picket  line,  and  both  parties  buried 
their  dead,  under  a  flag  of  truce.  One  of  the  pris 
oners,  belonging  to  the  Eighth  Ga.,  on  seeing  the 
mangled  remains  of  his  brother,  wept  bitterly  and 
for  a  time  refused  to  leave  them.  The  same  soldier 
afterwards  conversed  with  members  of  the  Thirty- 
third  at  the  first  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and 
reverted  to  the  circumstance,  and  also  to  the  fact 
that  his  Regiment  had  encountered  the  Thirty-third 
for  the  fourth  time  in  battle. 

While  the  engagement  was  going  on,  the  Seventy- 
seventh  N.  Y.,  to  the  command  of  which  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Corning  had  been  temporarily  assigned, 
was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  further  to  the  left, 
to  prevent  a  flank  movement. 

The  following  is  Colonel  Taylor's  report  of  the 
engagement : 

HEAD-QUARTERS  THIRTY-THIRD  REGIMENT,  ) 
1ST.  Y.  S.  Y.,  Yirginia,  July  10,  1862.        f 

To  the  A.  A.  Gerfl,  Third  Brigade: 

*  *  *  On  June  28th,  the 
entire  Regiment,  with  the  exception  of  the  camp 
guard,  cooks,  and  a  few  convalescent  sick,  was 
ordered  out  on  picket.  Soon  after,  they  became 
engaged  with  the  enemy,  and  according  to  instruc- 


132         COL.  TAYLOR'S  REPORT  OF  THE  BATTLE. 

tions  they  fell  back,  contesting  every  inch,  into  the 
rifle  pits  in  front  of  their  camp.  During  this  time 
Lieutenant  Lucius  C.  Mix  and  Lieutenant  Ed.  J. 
Tyler,  of  Company  A,  succeeded,  under  a  galling 
fire,  in  collecting  and  placing  in  good  order,  the 
former  his  camp  guard,  and  the  latter  all  others  in 
camp — some  fifty  men.  Both  of  these  officers  were 
conspicuous  in  their  endeavors  to  stop  those  who  had 
become  panic  stricken,  of  which  there  were  a  few, 
and  arranging  them  to  good  effect  in  the  rifle  pit- 
many  of  whom  fought  nobly.  I  can  also  mention 
the  name  of  Quartermaster  Sergeant  John  J.  Carter, 
now  Lieutenant  of  Company  B,  in  connection  with 
this  affair,  who  not  only  did  good  service  in  quiet 
ing  the  men,  but  conduced  to  keeping  up  a  continual 
fire  on  the  enemy.  Much  praise  is  due  to  Captain 
"Warford  and  Lieutenant  Church,  of  Company  E, 
also  to  Lieutenant  Corning,  of  Company  B,  and 
Lieutenant  Gale,  of  Company  G,  for  their  coolness 
in  drawing  in  the  men,  and  establishing  order  under 
such  circumstances,  at  one  time  being  nearly  sur 
rounded.  Captain  Hamilton,  of  Company  G,  was 
taken  prisoner  while  actively  engaged  in  rallying 
his  men,  and  Lieutenant  Church,  of  Company  E, 
was  killed  while  encouraging  his  men  by  words  and 
deeds. 

The  above  is  respectfully  submitted. 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

R.  F.  TAYLOR, 
Colonel  Commanding  Thirty-third  K  Y.  S.  V. 


GENERAL    DAVIDSON'S    REPORT.  133 

General  Davidson,  in  his  report  of  the  affair,  said  : 
"The  Thirty-third  N.  Y.  Volunteers,  Colonel 
Taylor,  of  my  Brigade,  then  on  picket,  in  conjunction 
with  the  Forty-ninth  Pa.  (two  companies),  Colonel 
Irwin,  had  the  honor  of  repulsing  the  enemy  most 
handsomely.  The  conduct  of  the  Thirty-third  K  Y., 
Forty-ninth  Pa.,  and  Seventh  Maine,  under  this  ter 
rible,  concentrated  fire,  which  took  us  completely  by 
surprise,  was  all  that  could  be  desired." 


134 


FEELING    OF   THE   ARMY. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  Retreat  Commenced.— The  Thirty-third  one  of  the  last  Regi 
ments  to  Leave. — Savage's  Station. — Destruction  of  Property. — 
General  Davidson  Sun-struck. 

OUR  army  was  now  in  full  retreat,  the  right  wing 
following  the  left,  and  both  sweeping  away  to  the 
James.  The  rebel  capital  beleagured,  pressed,  girt 
round  about  by  a  living  wall,  and  just  within  our 
grasp,  Once  more  breathes  freely.  The  siege  is  raised, 
the  tide  of  war  rolled  back  from  her  gates,  and  the 
black  flag  of  rebellion  waves  in  triumph. 

It  was  a  sad  and  humiliating  day  for  our  brave 
boys,  when  gathering  up  effects  and  shouldering 
muskets,  they  turned  their  backs  on  the  city.  For 
weeks  they  had  regarded  it  as  their  prize.  Their 
young  Chief  had  told  them  it  should  be  theirs,  and 
in  him  they  firmly  placed  their  trust.  Bitter  were 
the  anathemas  heaped  upon  the  Washington  author 
ities,  through  whose  mismanagement  they  believed 
victory  was  being  turned  into  defeat.  "Whatever  may 
have  been  the  truth  of  the  case,  they  and  they  alone 
were  held  responsible  that  we  were  now  marching 
away  from  instead  of  towards  Richmond.  The 
route  of  the  right  wing  lay  along  the  west  bank  o/ 


COS.    A   AND   F   LEFT   ON   THE    PICKET   LINE.       135 

the  Chickahominy  to  Savage's  Station,  White  Oak 
Swamp,  and  thence  to  Harrison's  Bar.  General 
Smith's  command  did  not  begin  to  move  until  the 
troops,  crossed  from  the  other  side  of  the  river,  had 
passed  by. 

Saturday  night,  June  28th,  the  right  wing  of  the 
Thirty-third  was  again  detailed  for  picket  duty,  the 
third  night  the  men  had  been  without  sleep.  In 
obedience  to  orders  from  Gen.  Davidson,  Captain 
HcXair,  taking  a  squad  of  men,  destroyed  the  camp 
equipage  of  the  entire  Brigade.  Before  morning  the 
destruction  of  everything  of  value  was  completed. 
Cos.  C,  D  and  I  remained  on  picket  until  1  o'clock 
A.  M.,  when  they  were  relieved  by  A  and  F.  The 
line  stretched  away  to  the  left  for  half  a  mile,  con 
necting  on  with  General  Gorman's.  The  reader 
can  imagine  what  were  the  feelings  of  these  men, 
who  were  left  to  deceive  and  hold  in  check  the 
enemy  while  the  remainder  of  the  troops  withdrew. 
Regiment  after  Regiment  disappeared  in  the  distance, 
until  they  alone  remained.  Moments  lengthened 
into  hours,  but  their  eyes  were  greeted  with  no  sig 
nal  to  retire.  Through  the  gray  mist  of  the  early 
morn,  the  rebel  pickets  could  be  seen,  their  line 
advanced  already  to  within  speaking  distance,  and 
their  forces  in  the  rear  preparing  to  throw  them 
selves  headlong  on  our  retreating  columns  ;  still  no 
orders  for  withdrawal  came. 

It  is  a  brave  and  noble  thing  when  a  soldier, 
burning  with  love  of  country  and  cheered  on  by  the 
presence  and  sympathy  of  comrades  in  arms,  rushes 


136  AKRIVAL    AT    SAVAGED    STATION. 

into  the  conflict,  and  at  the  cannon's  mouth  breasts 
the  storm  of  death;  but  braver  and  nobler  far,  when 
the  picket  guard,  knowing  that  each  moment  length 
ens  the  distance  between  him  and  friends,  and  makes 
more  certain  his  slaughter  or  capture  by  an  inso 
lent  and  cruel  foe,  stands  calmly  waiting  his  fate, 
rather  than  betray  his  trust  and  compromise  the 
safety  of  an  army.  Gen.  Smith  had  said  to  them 
before  going  out,  "  It  is  the  duty  of  the  few  to  sacri- 
flce  themselves  for  the  safety  of  the  many,"  and  they 
murmured  not  at  the  decision  which  had  made  them 
the  victims. 

After  all  hope  of  being  withdrawn  had  gone,  they 
were,  to  their  great  joy,  signalled  to  return,  which 
they  did  rapidly,  under  cover  of  a  dense  fog,  and 
soon  joined  the  Regiment. 

The.  Division  marched  two  miles  Sunday  morn 
ing,  keeping  on  the  high  lands  which  skirt  the 
Chickahominy,  in  order  to  protect  the  right  of  the 
army.  On  arriving  at  Trent  House,  they  were 
massed  for  a  short  time,  during  which  Gen.  McClel- 
lan  rode  by. 

Again  resuming  the  march  along  the  river,  they 
halted  about  one  mile  to  the  right  of  Savage's 
Station,  and,  after  remaining  in  line  of  battle  a  few 
moments,  fell  back  to  the  Station,  a  large  clearing 
in  the  forest,  of  two  thousand  acres  or  more.  The 
pioneers  of  the  Thirty-third  were  detailed  to  assist 
in  the  destruction  of  the  immense  war  material  which 
had  accumulated  here.  Of  all  the  pyrotechnic 
displays  which  our  military  authorities  have  gotten 


DESTRUCTION    OF   PROPERTY.  137 

up  during  the  war,  this  was  the  most  costly  and 
magnificent,  if  such  a  melancholy  spectacle  can  be 
styled  magnificent. 

Scattered  over  a  large  surface  of  ground  were 
heavy  supplies  of  provisions  and  ammunition  burn 
ing  and  bursting,  filling  the  air  with  smoke  and 
embers,  and  adding  to  the  already  oppressive  heat 
of  the  day.  As  the  flames  reached  fresh  piles  of 
commissary  stores,  they  would  burst  forth  anew, 
lighting  up  the  country  for  miles,  and  imparting 
a  terrible  grandeur  to  the  scene.  The  forage,  which 
had  been  sent  from  the  North,  and  collected  from 
the  surrounding  country,  burned  rapidly,  creating 
dense  volumes  of  smoke,  which  slowly  drifted 
along  to  the  westward.  Great  numbers  of  torpe 
does,  prepared  for  signal  purposes,  were  shooting  in 
every  direction,  displaying  through  the  murky 
atmosphere  the  red,  white  and  blue  colors.  Occa 
sionally  a  box  of  cartridges  would  explode,  sending 
the  balls  whizzing  among  the  tree  tops,  to  the  great 
annoyance  of  some  of  the  men,  who  did  not  care  to 
be  picked  off  in  this  style.  A  large  number  of  agri 
cultural  implements  sent  down  from  Washington  to 
aid  in  harvesting  the  crops  of  the  Peninsula,  were 
thrown  together  in  a  promiscuous  heap.  The  torch 
applied,  nothing  soon  remained  of  them  but  a  mass 
of  blackened  shafts  and  wheels.  Though  burning 
so  fiercely,  the  flames  were  found  inadequate  to  com 
plete  the  destruction.  A  long  train  of  cars  was 
accordingly  run  up,  and  after  being  loaded  with 
material,  and  set  on  fire,  was  started  towards  the 


138  HARROWING   SCENES. 

Chickahominy,  the  engineer  swinging  off  after  hav 
ing  "  let  on  full  steam."  Along  it  sped  at  a  fearful 
rate,  until  reaching  the  river,  when  the  engine  ex 
ploded,  as  it  careened  over  the  bank,  and  the  cars 
were  precipitated  into  the  water  below,  lying  piled 
one  upon  another,  a  mass  of  ruins.  The  explosion 
of  the  engine,  which  was  heard  for  a  long  distance, 
caused  the  rebels  to  hastily  decamp  from  the  oppo 
site  side  of  the  river,  where  they  were  drawn  up  to 
prevent  our  retreat  in  that  direction. 

A  General  Hospital  was  located  at  the  Station, 
and  contained,  in  addition  to  thousands  of  sick,  the 
wounded  from  the  late  battles,  who  had  been  sent 
here  after  the  retreat  was  decided  upon,  presenting 
an  indescribable  scene  of  suffering  and  woe.  To  add 
to  the  gloom  and  unhappiness  of  their  condition, 
they  were  now  informed  that  all  who  could  not  join 
in  the  march  would  be  left  behind,  no  ambulances 
or  transportation  being  furnished.  A  large  number 
of  the  poor  fellows,  determined  not  to  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy,  started  bravely  out,  and  through 
all  the  retreat,  their  weak  and  emaciated  forms  could 
be  seen  struggling  along  the  weary  way,  with  limbs 
just  amputated,  or  undressed  wounds  bleeding  at 
every  step.  But  with  spirits  all  unconquered,  and 
hope  yet  whispering  words  of  encouragement,  many 
of  these  unfortunates  reached  Harrison's  Bar,  and 
have  since  recovered  to  recount  experiences  of  suffer 
ing  and  brave  endurance,  rarely  fallen  to  the  lot  of 
human  beings. 

Of  this  number  was  Philip  Smith,  of  the  Thirty- 


A   WOUNDED   SOLDIER   ON   THE   MARCH.  139 

third,  whose  case  presents  a  striking  instance  of  that 
fortitude  which  brought  many  sick  and  wounded 
through  that  long  retreat,  while  many  strong  men 
were  compelled  to  succumb  to  the  fatigue  and 
become  prisoners.  lie  was  wounded  through  the 
elbow  at  the  battle  of  Golden's  Farm.  The  wound 
was  severe,  and  such  as  would  ordinarily  require 
amputation. 

He  was  immediately  conveyed  to  Savage's  Station, 
where  the  surgeons  determined  to  remove  the 
arm.  Smith  resisted,  but  was  forced  upon  the 
operating  table.  It  became  necessary  for  the  sur 
geons  to  leave  the  subject  for  a  moment,  when  he 
sprang  from  the  table  and  hurried  away  from  the 
the  Hospital.  He  followed  the  moving  army  from 
day  to  day,  much  of  the  time  unable  to  obtain  food, 
his  arm  frightfully  swollen,  and  every  moment  be 
coming  more  painful.  After  four  days  he  arrived  at 
Harrison's  Landing,  and  found  his  way  on  board  of 
one  of  the  transports,  his  wound  still  undressed. 
He  was  carried  to  Baltimore,  and  placed  in  the 
General  Hospital  there.  Here,  too,  the  surgeon  in 
charge,  determined  upon  amputation,  and  declared 
he  could  not  live  ten  days  in  that  condition. 
"  Then,"  said  Smith,  "  I  will  die  with  two  arms." 
For  several  days  the  surgeon  ^ refused  to  dress  the 
wound  at  all,  and  at  length  was  about  to  force  the 
operation,  when  the  Chief  Surgeon,  after  a  careful 
examination,  remarked,  that  as  the  young  man 
appeared  to  have  an  excellent  constitution  he  might 
bear  up  under  the  excruciating  pain,  and  perhaps 


140  FIGHT  AT  SAVAGE'S  STATION. 

recover  without  losing  the  limb.  The  wound  was 
now  dressed  for  the  first  time,  and  although  months 
of  pain  and  sickness  followed,  Smith  finally  recov 
ered  his  health,  with  the  consolation  that  his  obsti 
nate  endurance  had  saved  his  right  arm. 

After  remaining  two  hours  in  the  woods  round 
Savage's  Station,  Davidson's  Brigade  marched  two 
miles  further  to  the  rear,  when  a  halt  was  ordered. 
Several  large  boxes  of  Quartermaster's  stores  were 
found  here,  having  been  left  for  want  of  transporta 
tion.  The  men  helped  themselves  freely  to  clothing, 
doffing  their  old  garments  for  entire  new  suits. 
After  resting  for  a  few  moments,  the  Brigade  was 
ordered  back  again  to  the  Station,  to  support  Gen. 
Brooks,  who  had  become  engaged  with  the  enemy. 
Proceeding  back  at  a  double  quick,  Brooks  was 
found  driving  the  enemy  in  fine  style  with  his  Yer- 
mont  Brigade,  after  having  punished  them  severely. 
The  battle  lasted  until  an  hour  after  sunset,  when  a 
brilliant  cavalry  charge  totally  routed  and  put 
to  flight  the  rebels.  Gen.  Brooks  was,  however, 
wounded.  The  Vermont  troops  fought  nobly,  sus 
taining  the  reputation  which  they  had  previously 
won  at  Lee's  Mills  and  in  other  engagements.  While 
the  conflict  was  raging  fiercely,  a  member  of  the 
Forty-ninth  Pennsylvania  stepped  out  in  front  of  the 
line  of  battle,  and,  unmindful  of  the  bullets  which 
were  whistling  around  him,  delivered  a  very  solemn 
prayer.  The  effect  was  most  impressive  on  the 
hearers. 

Parties,  including  one  often  men  from  the  Thirty- 


GEN.    DAVIDSON    SUN-STRUCK.  141 

third,  detailed  to  bury  the  dead,  were  nearly  all 
taken  prisoners.  The  Brigade  remained  until  ten 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  men  falling  asleep  in 
their  tracks,  when  it  again  moved  to  the  rear,  on  the 
road  previously  taken,  towards  White  Oak  Swamp. 
Gen  Davidson,  who  had  been  sun-struck  during  the 
ai:::'noon,  was  borne  along  for  some  distance  on  a 
litter  by  members  of  the  band.  On  being  tem 
porarily  left  by  the  road-side,  the  General  stepped 
into  a  house  close  by,  and  a  straggler  happening 
along  took  his  place.  The  men  returning,  took  up 
the  litter,  and  carried  the  straggler  nearly  a  mile 
before  discovering  their  mistake.  They  were  very 
much  chagrined  over  the  "  sell,"  hut  thought  it  too 
good  a  joke  to  keep. 


142  A    DREARY    NIGHT   MARCH. 


CHAPTER  XY. 

A  Tedious  Night  March. — White  Oak  Swamp.— Sudden  Attack 
by  the  Enemy. — Narrow  Escape  of  General  Smith. — A  Cowardly 
Colonel. 

COL.  TAYLOR  succeeded  to  the  command  of  the 
Brigade.  The  distance  to  the  bridge  was  repre 
sented  as  being  inconsiderable,  and  the  troops 
plodded  wearily  along,  congratulating  themselves 
that  they  should  soon  reach  a  resting  place ;  but 
hour  after  hour  of  the  long  night  passed,  and  no 
bridge  appeared.  Owing  to  the  darkness  and  con 
fusion,  the  commands  became  mingled  together, 
Regiments  losing  their  Brigades,  and  soldiers  their 
Regiments. 

It  was  now  the  fourth  night  the  men  had  been 
without  sleep,  which,  together  with  the  fearful  excite 
ment  through  which  they  had  passed,  exhausted 
their  strength,  and  one  after  another  sank  down  by 
the  road  side,  knowing  that  the  enemy  would  soon 
be  along. 

An  hour  before  day  the  Brigade  reached  the 
bridge  which  crossed  White  Oak  Swamp,  when  a 
scene  ensued  which  baffles  description.  The  structure 
was  very  narrow,  and  each  Regiment  pushed  ahead 
pell-mell,  in  order  to  get  over  first.  A  Maj.  General 


CROSSING    WHITE   OAK    SWAMP.  143 

stood  on  the  bridge  and  kept  repeating :  "  For  God's 
sake  hurry  up  men."  The  enemy  were  pressing 
closely  behind,  and  might  make  their  appearance  at 
any  moment,  rendering  escape  impossible.  Already 
guards  stood,  with  torch  in  hand,  waiting  the  first 
signal  of  their  approach  to  fire  the  structure,  and 
thereby  save  those  who  had  already  crossed. 

After  anxiously  waiting  an  hour,  the  Thirty-third 
succeeded  in  effecting  a  crossing,  but  many  were 
found  to  be  missing.  A  placard  was  posted  up  by 
the  roadside  directing  such  men  as  might  afterwards 
come  up,  to  the  spot  where  the  Regiment  was 
located.  General  Smith  temporarily  established  his 
head-quarters  under  a  fruit  tree,  and  sent  out  aids 
to  hunt  up  his  various  Regiments.  Those  of  Colonel 
Taylor's  Brigade  being  got  together,  moved  up,  about 
six  o'clock,  on  their  way  from  the  swamp,  taking  the 
road  to  Harrison's  Landing.  They  proceeded,  how 
ever,  only  a  short  distance,  over  the  crest  of  a  hill,  and 
halting,  formed  in  line  of  battle. 

No  signs  of  the  enemy  being  visible,  arms  were 
stacked,  and  the  men  scattered  in  various  direc 
tions — some  to  pitch  tents,  others  to  bring  water  or 
bathe  themselves.  Nearly  all  the  stragglers  had  now 
got  over,  and  about  eleven  o'clock  the  bridge  was 
in  flames.  When  the  Thirty-third  were  receiving 
rations  they  were  suddenly  startled  by  the  roar  of 
fifty  cannon  and  the  appearance  in  their  midst  of 
shot  and  shelL  Under  cover  of  the  dense  wood  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  swamp  the  enemy  had 
planted  their  batteries,  in  close  proximity  to  us,  and 


144:  SUDDEN    ATTACK   BY   THE    ENEMY. 

obtained  perfect  range  of  our  forces.  So  accurate 
was  their  aim  that  the  first  shell  burst  in  the  dwell 
ing  occupied  by  General  Smith,  cutting  the  gray- 
haired  owner  in  two  just  as  he  was  leaving  the 
house.  The  same  shell  disabled  Lieutenant  Long, 
knocked  down  Lucius  Beach  of  Company  C,  and 
killed  a  Southern  laborer  who  was  standing  close 
by.  General  Smith  was  changing  his  clothes  at  the 
time,  and  lost  his  watch.  He  coolly  walked  away 
from  the  house,  but  one  of  his  aids,  darting  away 
from  him,  ran  bareheaded  through  the  Regiment  like 
mad,  and  getting  behind  a  tree,  hugged  it  closely 
during  the  rest  of  the  cannonade.  A  momentary 
panic  followed  this  sudden  attack  of  the  enemy,  and 
it  required  the  most  strenuous  exertions  on  the  part 
of  officers  to  restore  order  in  the  ranks.  Those  who 
fled  to  the  rear  were  brought  back  at  the  point  of 
the  bayonet.  A  Regiment  stationed  in  front  of  Col. 
Taylor's  was  thrown  into  the  greatest  confusion, 
and,  following  the  example  of  their  leader,  rushed 
back  headlong,  sweeping  down  those  who  impeded 
their  course.  Exasperated  at  this  conduct,  the 
officers  of  the  Thirty-third  threatened  to  shoot  down 
the  entire  Regiment  if  they  did  not  return.  Their 
Colonel,  wTho  so  ignobly  deserted  them,  came  and 
sat  down  among  the  privates  of  the  Thirty-third, 
when  one  of  them  said  to  him,  "  Don't  your  Regi 
ment  need  you  ?  we  have  got  all  the  officers  we 
want  here."  LTpon  this  he  picked  himself  up  and 
hastened  to  a  hospital  near  by.  He  was  afterwards 
compelled  to  resign.  The  Regiment  did  some 


A   DARING  TROOPER. 

splendid  fighting  at  Antietam,  under  a  new  leader. 
The  soldiers  all  fell  flat  on  the  ground,  thereby  escap 
ing  the  shells,  which  ploughed  through  the  top  of 
the  crest,  or,  clearing  it,  struck  in  the  marsh  beyond. 
Occasionally  one  would  burst  directly  over  their 
heads,  causing  some  loss  of  life.  After  remaining 
under  this  fire  for  half  an  hour.  Colonel  Taylor 
withdrew  his  Brigade  to  the  edge  of  the  woods, 
and  funned  them  in  line  of  battle.  Maj .  Platner,  who 
was  now  in  command  of  the  Regiment,  was  ordered  to 
report  to  General  Hancock,  who  stationed  him  on  the 
extreme  right  of  the  line,  remarking  as  he  did  so, 
"  Major,  you  have  the  post  of  honor ;  hold  the  posi 
tion  at  all  hazards,  and  add  new  laurels  to  those 
already  won  by  the  Thirty- third.''  The  firing  still 
continued  very  heavy,  the  enemy  making  several 
attempts  to  cross  the  swamp,  but  they  were  repulsed 
each  time.  The  bridge  had  been  burned  before  their 
arrival.  Several  cavalrymen,  however,  succeeded  in 
getting  over.  Lieutenant  Hills,  who  had  been  sent 
to  the  top  of  the  crest  to  watch  the  movements  of 
the  enemy,  observed  one  of  these  horsemen 
capture  five  Union  soldiers.  They  were  lying 
behind  a  fence,  and  when  he  rode  up  and  ordered 
them  to  surrender  the  cowards  yielded,  though 
having  guns  in  their  hands.  The  daring  trooper 
likewise  rode  fearlessly  towards  Lieutenant  Hills, 
and  shouted  to  him  to  surrender.  Let  the  scoundrel 
come  on  if  he  wants  to,  said  Captain  Cole,  who  had 
come  up,  which  remark  intimidated  him,  and  he 
galloped  rapidly  away.  The  cannonading  con- 


146      FIGHTING   AT   CHARLES    CITY    CROSS-ROADS. 

tinued  until  after  night  had  enveloped  friend  and 
foe  in  darkness.  General  Smith  appeared  fre 
quently  riding  along  the  line,  regardless  of  the 
shells  which  were  bursting  all  around  him,  and 
exhibiting  as  much  nonchalance  as  if  the  occasion 
were  nothing  more  than  a  militia  training.  Halt 
ing  at  one  time  in  front  of  the  Thirty-third,  he  said 
to  them,  "  You  are  doing  nobly ;  stay  where  you 
are  until  you  get  different  orders."  He  afterwards 
remarked  that  the  Regiment  had  "  sustained  its  for 
mer  reputation."  While  the  battle  was  progressing 
a  fierce  engagement  was  also  going  on  at  Charles 
City  Cross-Roads.  The  cheering  of  friend  and  foe 
could  be  easily  distinguished  as  either  side  gained 
any  advantage. 

About  half-past  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  the 
enemy's  fire  slackened,  and  preparations  were  made 
to  resume  the  march.  The  Division  stealthily  with 
drew,  and  were  massed  in  a  large  field.  The  men 
were  not  permitted  to  return  to  the  hillside  and 
secure  their  knapsacks,  which  contained  letters, 
likenesses,  &c.,  but  were  speedily  and  quietly 
hurried  away. 

A  picket  line  was  left  to  deceive  the  enemy  by 
making  them  think  that  we  still  remained.  In  half 
an  hour's  time  all  preparations  were  completed,  and 
the  troops  commenced  marching.  It  was  a  most 
solemn  and  impressive  scene  as  the  long  column 
moved  away,  winding  over  hill  and  through  dale. 
The  officers  delivered  their  commands  in  a  whisper, 
and  the  men  were  not  permitted  to  speak.  The 


HONORABLE  -MENTION    OF    OFFICERS.  147 

artillery  was  drawn  away  by  hand ;  one  single 
Napoleon  being  left  to  fire  upon  the  crossing,  kept 
booming,  booming  all  night  long. 

The  woods  adjoining  the  swamp  were  set  on  fire 
at  our  departure,  casting  a  lurid  flame  over  wood 
land  and  plain,  and  lighting  up  the  country  for 
miles  around.  An  attack  was  expected  every 
moment,  and  the  snapping  of  a  twig  or  cry  of  a 
night  bird  was  sufficient  to  create  an  alarm.  But 
no  enemy  appeared,  and  the  solemn,  noiseless  march 
was  continued.  Colonel  Taylor,  in  his  report  of 
this  engagement  at  White  Oak  Swamp,  said :  "  Major 
John  S.  Platner,  and  Captain  Cole,  of  Company  C, 
and  Captain  McXair,  of  Company  F,  rendered 
themselves  conspicuous  in  their  efforts  to  get  the 
men  into  line  of  battle  and  under  arms,  where  they 
nobly  stood  until  relieved  by  the  order  to  fall  back." 
The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  report  subse 
quently  made  by  General  Davidson :  "  In  compli 
ance  with  special  order  No.  42,  from  6th  Army 
Corps,  to  forward  any  recommendations  for  promo 
tion,  and  the  names  of  the  officers  and  men  deserving 
reward  for  distinguished  services,  I  have  the  honor 
to  report  as  follows :  Major  John  S.  Platner, 
Captain  James  McNair,  Company  F,  and  Captain 
C.  H.  Cole,  Company  C,  for  gallant  conduct  at 
White  Oak  Swamp.  Owing  particularly  to  the 
efforts  of  these  officers,  the  men  were  formed  in 
perfect  order,  and  enabled  to  hold  their  position 
under  the  terrific  fire  of  the  enemy." 


148  THE    ENEMY   BAFFLED. 


CHAPTEE  XVI. 

The  Enemy  Out-generalcd. — Arrival  at  Malvern  Hills. — The 
Thirty-third  assigned  to  Picket  Duty. — Battle  of  Malvern. — 
Arrival  at  Harrison's  Landing.— General  McClellan's  Address. — 
Building  a  Fort. — Slashing  Timber. 

So  successfully  had  the  pickets,  who  were  left  to 
cover  the  withdrawal,  performed  their  part,  that  it 
was  not  discovered  by  the  enemy  in  time  to  pursue. 
Before  morning,  however,  a  fresli  danger  encoun 
tered  the  Division,  which  now  constituted  the  rear 
of  the  army.  Another  portion  of  the  enemy,  under 
linger,  had  gained  possession  of  the  road  ahead 
of  us,  thereby  cutting  off  the  retreat.  Some,  nearly 
exhausted  by  the  arduous  labors  of  the  four  days 
previous,  were  well  nigh  discouraged  on  receipt  of 
this  intelligence.  But  General  Smith  was  equal  to 
the  emergency,  and  instead  of  pressing  forward,  as 
some  of  his  officers  advised,  and  attempting  to  cut 
his  way  through  to  the  river,  seven  miles  distant, 
he  turned  off,  and  making  a  circuit  of  twenty-two 
miles,  completely  eluded  the  foe. 

In  a  conversation  which  occurred  a  few  days 
afterwards,  at  Liberty  Hall,  between  General  Jack 
son  and  Surgeon  Dickinson,  of  the  Thirty-third, 


JACKSON'S  OPINION  OF  HCGER  AND  MAGRTTDER.    140 

\vho  liad  remained  with  his  sick  and  wounded, 
Stonewall  remarked,  that  "  Huger  ought  to  be  court- 
martialled  for  permitting  Smith  to  escape,  and 
Magruder  shot  for  his  drunkenness  and  misman 
agement  at  Malvern."  They  were  both  subse 
quently  shelved.  Jackson  added,  further,  that  Gen. 
McClellan  had  out-generaled  them,  escaping  with 
his  army  when  it  was  just  within  their  grasp. 

After  debouching  from  the  main  thoroughfare  a 
halt  was  ordered,  and  the  men,  sinking  down  by 
the  roadside,  were  soon  fast  asleep.  But  they 
were  immediately  roused  from  their  slumbers,  and 
springing  to  their  feet,  prepared  to  resist  the 
enemy's  cavalry,  who  were  reported  to  be  advanc 
ing  on  a  charge.  The  alarm,  however,  proved  to 
be  groundless,  having  been  occasioned  by  some 
horses,  which  had  got  away  from  their  sleepy  riders, 
dashing  through  the  ranks.  When  the  panic  cre 
ated  by  this  circumstance  had  subsided,  the  Divi 
sion  again  moved  forward  rapidly,  many  of  the 
soldiers  being  so  exhausted  as  to  fall  asleep,  and 
mechanically  move  along,  until  a  halt  in  the  line 
would  throw  them  headlong  against  their  comrades 
in  front.  The  memories  of  that  fearful  night 
march  can  never  be  effaced  from  the  brain  of  those 
who  participated  in  it.  An  hour  after  daylight  the 
head  of  the  column  reached  Malvern,  when  the 
boys,  mistaking  some  dead  pines  ahead  for  ship 
masts,  gave  -vent  to  the  wildest  demonstrations  of 
joy,  supposing  that  the  river  had  been  reached.  It 
was,  however,  but  a  short  way  off.  Moving  on  a 


150  BATTLE    OF    MALVERN    HILLS. 

little  distance  further,  tlie  troops  were  massed  by  Reg 
iments  in  a  large  clearing,  and  permitted  an  hour's 
sleep.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  the  Thirty- 
third  was  ordered  on  picket  in  the  woods  at  the 
right  of  Malvern  Hills,  where  a  portion  of  the  army 
was  drawn  up  to  receive  an  attack.  Major  Plat- 
ner,  still  in  command  of  the  Regiment,  deployed 
all  the  Companies  as  skirmishers,  every  other  man 
being  permitted  to  sleep. 

Directly  in  the  rear,  the  Vermont  Brigade  were 
employed  in  slashing  timber,  and  constructing  a 
formidable  abatis,  behind  which  a  line  of  battle 
was  formed,  No  openings  were  left,  or  other  pro 
visions  made  for  the  escape  of  the  Thirty-third, 
should  the  enemy  appear,  but  they  were  told  to  fire 
off  their  guns,  and  make  their  way  back  through 
the  slashing  as  best  they  could.  The  night  was 
intensely  dark,  and  the  men,  unable  to  see  or  con 
verse  with  each  other,  had  a  decidedly  dreary  time 
of  it.  About  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  ("Wed- 
nesday)  an  Aid  appeared  and  ordered  them  in. 
Owing  to  the  darkness  and  obstacles  some  did  not 
get  back  for  several  hours. 

The  fierce  battle  of  Malvern  Hills  was,  in  the 
meantime,  being  fought.  The  line  of  battle  was 
formed  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  (Tues 
day),  General  Franklin  having  the  right,  Generals 
Keyes  and  Heintzelman  the  centre,  and  General 
Porter  the  left.  General  Stunner's  Corps  was 
held  as  a  reserve.  Our  batteries  were  planted  on 
the  hills  in  commanding  positions.  About  nine 


THE  ENEMY  THOROUGHLY  BEATEN.       151 

o'clock  the  pursuing  enemy  made  their  appearance 
and  immediately  opened  a  heavy  artillery  fire, 
which  was  replied  to  by  our  guns,  the  gunboats 
Galena  and  Jacob  Bell  assisting.  The  artillery 
duel  was  kept  up  until  three  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon,  when  the  enemy  charged  in  solid  column 
upon  our  batteries,  but  were  repulsed  with  terrible 
slaughter.  Again  and  again  they  renewed  the 
charge,  but  were  as  often  beaten  back.  Despairing 
of  dislodging  us  with  shot  and  shell,  or  of  storming 
our  guns,  they  now  advanced  their  infantry,  who 
opened  a  musketry  fire,  and  the  engagement  be 
came  general  along  the  whole  line.  For  three  long 
hours  the  battle  raged  fiercely,  neither  side  gaining 
any  material  advantage.  But  at  the  end  of  this 
time  reinforcements  arrived  to  the  number  of  four 
Brigades,  and  decided  the  fortunes  of  the  day.  The 
enemy  were  everywhere  beaten  back  and  put  to 
flight,  many  of  them  not  stopping  until  they 
reached  their  defences.  Some  were  at  the  time, 
and  have  since  been,  of  the  opinion  that  our  vic 
torious  forces  could  have  followed  them  into  their 
capital.  But  when  we  consider  the  distance  inter 
vening,  the  condition  of  our  own  troops,  and  that 
this  was  only  one  wing  of  the  rebel  army  that 
had  met  with  defeat,  it  is  scarcely  reasonable  to 
conclude  that  the  success  could  have  been  followed  up 
by  the  capture  of  Richmond.  This  terminated  the 
series  of  engagements  connected  with  the  retreat. 
Like  Massena  fleeing  before  "Wellington,  General 
McClellan  had  again  and  again  turned  upon  Lee, 
and  as  often  checked  him  in  the  pursuit. 


152  HARRISON^    LANDING. 

After  being  ordered  in  from  the  picket  line,  the 
Thirty-third  was  permitted  a  few  hours'  rest,  and  then 
sent  to  the  front  to  support  Ayers'  battery.  The  men 
had  hardly  taken  their  position  behind  the  guns, 
before  they  were  ordered  to  move  on,  which  they  did 
in  a  furious  storm.  Beaching  a  large  wheat-  field,  a 
portion  of  the  army  was  found  drawn  up,  in  a  hol 
low  square,  with  the  trains  in  the  centre,  expecting 
an  attack.  The  troops  were  marched  and  counter 
marched,  and  arranged  to  meet  the  enemy,  but 
they  did  not  make  their  appearance.  The  Regiment 
here  joined  the  others  of  the  Brigade  under  Colonel 
Taylor,  and  proceeded  on  towards  Harrison's  Land 
ing.  The  water  was  in  many  places  from  six  to  eight 
inches  deep,  the  streams  very  much  swollen,  and  vari 
ous  other  circumstances  conspired  to  make  the  march 
ing  slow  and  tedious.  The  Thirty -third,  however, 
reached  the  landing  about  two  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon,  which  was  on  the  old  Harrison  estate,  and 
reminded  the  men  very  much  of  White  House  Land 
ing. 

The  river  was  full  of  gunboats  and  transports 
of  every  description.  Many  of  the  boys  were  so 
famished  that  they  did  not  wait  for  the  commissary, 
but  swam  out  to  the  boats,  and,  clambering  up  the 
sides,  procured  something  to  eat.  Others  were  so 
exhausted  that,  without  delaying  for  food  or  shelter, 
they  sank  down  in  the  mud,  and  were  soon  fast  asleep. 
Notwithstanding  the  excessive  heat  and  innumerable 
number  of  bugs  and  flies  of  every  description,  they 
found  no  difficulty  in  wooing  Morpheus  after  the 
severe  and  terrible  exposures  and  hardships  of  the 


ADDRESS   TO   THE   ARMY.  155 

seven  days  previous.  On  the  next  day,  which 
was  the  4th,  General  McClellan  issued  the  following 
address  to  the  troops  : 

HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  } 

CAMP  NEAR  HARRISON'S  LANDING,     > 

July  4th,  1862.  ) 

Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  : 

Your  achievements  of  the  last  ten  days  have  illus 
trated  the  valor  and  endurance  of  the  American 
soldier.  Attacked  by  superior  forces,  and  without 
hope  of  reinforcements,  you  have  succeeded  in  chang 
ing  your  base  of  operations  by  a  flank  movement, 
always  regarded  as  the  most  hazardous  of  military 
expedients.  You  have  saved  all  your  material,  all 
your  trains,  and  all  your  guns,  except  a  few  lost  in 
battle,  taking  in  return,  guns  and  colors  from  the 
enemy.  Upon  your  march  you  were  assailed,  day 
after  day,  with  desperate  fury,  by  men  of  the  same 
race  and  nation,  skilfully  massed  and  led.  Under 
every  disadvantage  of  number,  and  necessarily  of 
position  also,  you  have,  in  every  conflict,  beaten 
Uack  your  foes  with  enormous  slaughter.  Your  con 
duct  ranks  you  among  the  celebrated  armies  of  his 
tory.  No  one  will  now  question  that  each  of  you 
may  always  with  pride  say,  "  I  belong  to  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac." 

You  have  reached  the  new  base,  complete  in 
organization  and  unimpaired  in  spirit.  The  enemy 
may,  at  any  time,  attack  you.  We  are  prepared  to 
meet  them.  I  have  personally  established  your  lines. 


156  ATTACK   OF   TEXAN   CAVALRY. 

Let  them  come,  and  we  will   convert  their  repulse 
into  a  final  defeat. 

Your  government  is  strengthening  you  with  the 
resources  of  a  great  people.  On  this,  our  Nation's 
birthday,  we  declare  to  our  foes,  who  are  rebels 
against  the  best  interests  of  mankind,  that  this  army 
shall  enter  the  capital  of  the  so-called  Confederacy ; 
that  our  National  constitution  shall  prevail ;  and  that 
the  Union,  which  can  alone  insure  internal  peace  and 
external  security  to  each  State,  "  must  and  shall  be 
preserved,"  cost  what  it  may  in  time,  treasure,  and 
blood. 

GEO.  B.  McCLELLAK 

This  stirring  address  was  received  with  immense 
enthusiasm  by  the  army.  During  the  day  a  national 
salute  was  fired  at  the  headquarters  of  each  Army 
Corps,  and  immediately  after  the  bands  played  vari 
ous  national  airs.  General  McClellan  likewise  visited 
all  the  troops  in  the  afternoon,  and  they  paraded 
before  him. 

The  position  here  was  one  of  great  beauty,  the 
country  being  open,  rolling,  and  skirted  with  large 
and  variegated  forests.  Beautiful  country  residences, 
belonging  to  aristocratic  owners,  were  seen  in  every 
direction. 

Saturday  morning,  5th,  Smith's  Division  was  sent 
back  on  the  Charles  City  Cross-roads,  two  and  a  half 
miles,  to  the  support  of  General  Shields'  forces,  which 
had  been  attacked  by  Texan  cavalry.  The  rebels 
were  repulsed,  and  fled,  leaving  one  gun  in  our  pos- 


CLEARING    AWAY    THE    FORESTS.  157 

session.  The  Brigade  remained  here,  and  pitched 
their  tents  in  a  very  commanding  though  unhealthy 
position.  The  water  was  frequently  so  stagnant  that 
fish  could  not  live  in  it,  floating  lifeless  to  the  top. 
The  men  immediately  commenced  earthworks  on  the 
highlands  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Landing.  The 
Thirty-third  assisted  in  the  construction  of  an  exten 
sive  fort,  mounting  several  32-pouiiders.  When 
completed,  it  presented  a  very  formidable  appear 
ance.  An  immense  amount  of  slashing  was  also 
performed.  It  was  a  fine  sight  to  see  a  whole  forest 
rapidly  disappear  before  the  sturdy  blows  of  a  thou 
sand  choppers.  While  one  Regiment  used  the  axes, 
another  was  posted  in  front  to  prevent  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters  from  firing  upon  them. 

The  men  learned,  with  much  satisfaction,  soon  after 
reaching  the  Landing,  of  the  capture  of  their  old 
acquaintance,  the  Teaser,  which  surrendered  to  the 
LTnion  gunboat  Mantanzas. 

Much  sickness  prevailed  among  the  camps,  owing 
to  the  unhealthy  surroundings  and  impure  water. 
Many  died,  and  many  more  were  taken  North,  not, 
however,  before  the  seeds  of  death  had  been  im 
planted  in  their  constitutions.  Each  Company  of  the 
Thirty-third  provided  itself  with  a  well,  and  after 
wards  enjoyed  the  luxury  of  pure  water.  Every 
thing  pertaining  to  a  soldier's  living  was  furnished 
in  abundance,  after  affairs  became  settled,  sweet 
bread,  in  addition  to  many  other  things,  being  added 
to  the  bill  of  fare.  While  here,  General  Smith  was 
confirmed  as  a  Brigadier  General  of  Volunteers. 
8 


158   KETUBN  OF  GEN.  DAVIDSON  TO  THE  BRIGADE. 

He  was  likewise  nominated  for  a  Major  Generalship. 
General  Davidson,  recovering  from  the  effects  of  the 
sunstroke,  resumed  command  of  the  Brigade,  and 
Colonel  Taylor  returned  to  his  Eegimeiit.  One  recon- 
noissance  was  made  by  him  in  the  direction  of  Rich 
mond. 


VISITS  FROM  PRES'T  LINCOLN  AND  GEN.  HALLECK.    159 


CHAPTEK  XYII. 

Arrival  of  Reinforcements. — Visit  of  President  Lincoln. — Attack 
by  the  Enemy. — Reconuoissauce  to  Malvern  Hills. — A  Deserter 
drummed  out  of  Camp. — A  change  of  base  decided  upon.  —  Re 
turn  March  to  Fortress  Monroe. — Scenes  by  the  way. 

KEINFORCEMENTS  began  to  come  up  the  river,  so 
that  in  a  few  days  the  army  numbered  one  hundred 
and  twenty  thousand  men. 

On  the  morning  of  the  8th  President  Lincoln  ar 
rived  unexpectedly  from  Fortress  Monroe,  and  was 
welcomed  with  a  salute  of  thirty-two  guns.  After 
spending  a  few  hours  at  Headquarters,  he  proceeded 
to  review  the  various  commands,  accompanied  by 
General  McClellan.  As  he  rode  along  the  lines,  and 
observed  the  thinned  ranks  and  torn  and  tattered 
flags,  he  exhibited  much  emotion.  The  review  was 
not  completed  until  9  o'clock,  the  moon  shining 
brightly,  and  a  cool,  fresh  breeze  blowing  from  off 
the  water.  General  Halleck  likewise  made  his  ap 
pearance  on  the  24th,  and  inspected  the  army. 

The  enemy  soon  began  to  show  themselves  on  the 
opposite  and  higher  bank  of  the  river,  and  in  the 
course  of  a  few  days  increased  to  the  number  of  sev 
eral  thousand.  About  midnight,  on  the  31st,  they 


160  KECONNOISSANCE    TO    MALVERN    HILLS. 

opened  a  vigorous  iire  from  three  batteries  on  our 
shipping  and  camps.  Many  of  the  shells  struck  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Thirty-third.  Our  gunboats 
returned  the  fire,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
siege-guns,  drove  them  away,  at  the  end  of  two 
hours.  Only  two  men  were  killed,  and  twelve 
wounded,  by  this  night  attack. 

On  the  following  morning  eight  hundred  troops 
crossed  the  river  in  boats,  and  burned  all  the  build 
ings,  and  cut  down  the  trees  in  the  vicinity. 

Monday,  August  4th,  a  force  consisting  of  infan 
try,  cavalry  and  artillery,  under  General  Hooker, 
proceeded  back  to  Malvern  Hills,  and  after  a  brief 
engagement  re-occupied  them,  the  enemy  retreating. 
They  remained  here  until  Wednesday,  and  then 
returned  to  camp.  On  the  following  Friday,  great 
rejoicing  was  occasioned  in  General  Hooker's  Divi 
sion,  on  the  reception  of  the  news  that  he  had 
been  promoted  to  a  Major  Generalship.  The  troops 
assembled  en-masse  at  his  headquarters,  and  cheered 
vociferously  for  "  Fighting  Joe,"  while  various  bands 
discoursed  national  airs.  Several  hundred  lighted 
candles  were  fixed  in  the  surrounding  trees,  imparting 
a  beautiful  effect  to  the  scene.  The  same  day  Colo 
nel  Taylor  left  for  the  north  on  recruiting  service, 
taking  with  him  Lieutenant  Corning  and  a  Sergeant 
from  each  Company.  Gen.  Davidson  also  departed, 
having  been  ordered  to  the  Department  of  Missouri. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Corning,  being  now  senior  officer 
of  the  Brigade,  assumed  command  of  it. 

A  soldier  who  had  run  away  from  the  Golden's 


161 

Farm  fight,  was  paraded  before  the  Division  with  his 
head  half-shaved,  and  a  placard  marked  "  Coward,'' 
suspended  upon  his  back.  He  was  also  sentenced 
to  forfeit  all  back  pay,  and  spend  the  remainder 
of  his  time  of  enlistment  at  the  Tortugas.  All  the 
Regiments  were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,  and  the 
culprit  marched  back  and  forth  before  them,  while  a 
band  played  "  the  rogue's  march." 

Owing  to  the  movements  of  the  enemy  in  front  of 
G-eneral  Pope,  unhealthy  location  of  the  army  at 
Harrison's  Landing,  and  because  they  had  come  to 
regard  the  Peninsula  route  to  Richmond  impracti 
cable,  and  lost  confidence  in  General  McClellan's 
capacity,  the  military  authorities  at  Washington 
decided,  early  in  the  month  of  August,  to  recall  the 
army  from  the  Peninsula.  General  McClellan  was 
strongly  opposed  to  this,  declaring  to  them  that  if 
fifty  thousand  reinforcements  were  furnished  him,  he 
would  yet  enter  the  rebel  capital.  His  washes, 
however,  were  not  complied  with,  and  preparations 
for  a  "  change  of  base"  were  commenced.  Smith's 
Division  received  orders  to  be  in  readiness  to  march 
at  daylight,  Thursday,  August  14th.  It  did  not 
move,  however,  until  the  following  Saturday.  All 
the  necessary  preparations  were  conducted  with 
secrecy  and  dispatch ;  wooden  guns  were  planted  on 
the  fort  which  the  Thirty-third  had  assisted  in  build 
ing,  and  sentinels  of  straw  were  posted  a  few  feet  apart 
on  the  ramparts.  All  day  Thursday  and  Friday, 
other  portions  of  the  army  marched  by,  the  artillery 
and  wagon  trains  proceeding  at  night.  Generals 


162  ON    THE    MARCH. 

Porter's,  Keyes',  and  Sumner's  Corps  proceeded  by 
the  Charles  City  Court  House,  and  General  Heintzel- 
man's  by  the  Cole's  Ford  route.  The  object  of  the 
previous  movement  to  Malvern  was  now  explained, 
it  having  been  made  to  mislead  the  enemy,  and  cause 
them  to  think  that  another  advance  was  intended. 

About  four  o'clock  Saturday  afternoon,  Smith's 
Division  took  up  the  line  of  march.  As  the  troops  mov 
ed  away,  the  enemy  who,  apparently  for  the  first  time, 
had  discovered  the  movement,  drew  near  and  fired 
for  some  time  at  the  sham  pickets  or  sentinels,  occa 
sioning  many  humorous  remarks  from  the  soldiers, 
such  as,  "They  won't  drive  them,"  "Why  don't  you 
drop  him,  Mr.  Rebel."  "  How  are  you,  sharp-shoot 
er,"  &c.,  &c.  The  column  was  forty  miles  in  length, 
General  Porter,  who  was  at  the  head,  having  then 
reached  Williamsburg.  The  Thirty-third  proceed 
ed  by  the  river  road,  and  marching  five  miles  the 
first  night,  encamped  on  a  deserted  plantation. 
While  halting  by  the  way,  General  McClellan  ap 
peared,  and  after  addressing  the  men  a  few  encoura 
ging  words,  urged  the  necessity  of  marching  as  rapidly 
as  possible.  The  moon  shone  brightly,  but  the 
air  was  chilly,  and  many  who  had  thrown  away  their 
blankets  suffered  from  the  cold  and  heavy  dew. 
The  following  day,  Sunday,  the  inarch  was  resumed 
at  six  o'clock,  and  continued  until  three  in  the  after 
noon.  The  Regiment  marched  seventeen  miles,  cross 
ing  the  Chickahominy  near  its  mouth  on  a  pontoon 
bridge — the  longest  ever  constructed  in  this  coun 
try — consisting  of  ninety-six  boats,  anchored  about 
twenty  feet  apart. 


A    PATRIOTIC    SWEDISH    COLONEL.  163 

Among  other  craft  lying  here  was  the  steamer 
Matamora,  which  had  conveyed  a  portion  of  the 
Thirty-third  from  Alexandria  to  Fortress  Monroe. 
The  troops  encamped  in  a  wheat-field  on  an  eleva 
ted  spot  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  back  from  the 
rivft*.  All  danger  of  an  attack  from  the  enemy  was 
now  past,  and  they  slept  soundly  after  their  long 
and  wearisome  march.  The  country  for  miles  back 
in  the  interior  was  very  flat,  almost  on  a  level  with 
the  river's  bank,  and  abounded  in  swamps  and  marsh 
es.  Evidences  of  ruin  and  decay  were  seen  all  along 
the  route.  The  orchards  had  frequently  been  so 
neglected  that  a  second  growth  of  trees  had  sprung 
up  and  grown  through  the  limbs  of  the  older  ones, 
presenting  an  anomalous  sight.  Col.  Vegesack,  who 
had  been  assigned  to  the  20th  Xew  York,  now  took 
command  of  the  Brigade,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Corning  returned  to  the  Regiment.  Col.  Vegesack,  • 
who  had  obtained  a  furlough  from  the  Swedish 
army  to  cross  the  water  and  fight  in  behalf  of 
the  Union,  was  a  brave  and  beloved  officer.  While 
the  first  battle  of  Fredericksburg  was  in  progress, 
he  received  an  extension  of  time,  and  in  announcing 
the  fact  to  his  men  on  the  field,  added ;  "My  soldiers, 
I  fight  from  patriotism :  you  fight  from  patriotism  and 
for  country ;  I  expect  that  you  will  fight  well." 

The  next  day  the  Regiment  marched  fifteen  miles, 
passing  through  Williamsburg.  The  inhabitants 
manifested  in  various  ways  their  delight  at  seeing  the 
army  retreating,  which  four  months  before  had- 
marched  so  victoriously  in  the  opposite  direction. 


164  GRAVES    OF   UNION    SOLDIERS. 

Marching  by  Fort  Magruder  and  the  old  battle-field, 
the  Thirty-third  bivouacked  in  a  pleasant  spot  three 
miles  beyond.     The  troops  rose  early  the  next  morn 
ing,  and  by  six  o'clock  were  in  motion.     Proceeding 
through   Yorktown,  the   Regiment  encamped  near 
a  grave-yard,  two  miles   distant  from   the   cit^in 
which   two  of  General  Washington's  Aids,  killed  in 
the  first  siege  of  Yorktown,  were   buried.     Officers 
and  men  now  for  the  first   time   visited   the   city, 
spending   several  hours  in  wandering  through  the 
streets,  and  examining  the  heavy  fortifications   con 
structed  by  the  enemy.     General  Yan  Allen  was  in 
command  of  the  place.    Near  to  the  fortifications  was 
a  "Union    Cemetery,"  containing  the  graves  of  300 
Union   soldiers,  each   of  which  was   adorned  by  a 
neat  head-board,  designating  the  name  and  Kegiment 
of  the  soldier.     Wednesday   the  march  was  resum 
ed  at  five  o'clock,  and  continued  for  ten  miles,  until 
Big  Bethel  was  reached.     At  ten  o'clock  on  the  fol 
lowing  morning  the  Regiment  arrived  in  Hampton. 
The    various  Divisions  of  the  army  had  now  reach 
ed   here,  the   entire  retrograde   movement    having 
been  performed  most  successfully. 


LEAVING  THE  PENINSULA.          165 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Abandonment  of  the  Peninsula. — Arrival  at  Acquia  Creek. — 
Disembarkation  at  Alexandria. — Pope's  Operations. — Death  of 
Generals  Stevens  and  Kearney. — Retreat  to  the  Fortifications. — 
Responsibility  for  the  Disaster. — Fitz-John  Porter. 

On  the  following  day,  the  Thirty-third  and  other 
Regiments  of  the  Third  Brigade  embarked  at  For 
tress  Monroe,  011  board  the  steamers  Vanderbilt 
and  Empire  City,  and  came  to  anchor  the  same  even 
ing  at  Acquia  Creek.  The  design  in  sending  them 
here  was  to  reinforce  General  Burnside,  who  had 
already  arrived,  and  held  Fredericksbnrg  with  a  large 
force.  As  affairs  were  assuming  a  threatening  atti 
tude  around  Washington,  it  was  deemed  best,  how 
ever,  to  withdraw  all  the  troops  from  Fredericksburg 
and  vicinity.  General  Burnside,  therefore,  commenc 
ed  evacuating  the  region  the  same  day  that  the  Thirty- 
third  arrived.  The  three  bridges  constructed  over 
the  Rappahannock,  the  railroad,  Quartermaster  and 
commissary  buildings  at  Falmouth,  were  destroyed, 
the  Fredericksburg  machine-shop  and  foundry  blown 
up,  and  various  other  property  laid  in  ruins.  As 
the  last  of  the  forces  were  leaving,  a  woman  ap 
peared,  with  three  little  children  clinging  to  her 
SA 


IOC  RETURN    TO    ALEXANDRIA. 

side,  whom  General  Burnside  recognized  as  a  promi 
nent  Union  lady.  He  immediately  remarked  to 
her:  "Have  you  anything  down  to  the  bridge, 
madam  ?"  "Only  a  bed  and  a  few  small  articles,  sir." 
Turning  to  one  of  his  wagon-masters,  he  said,  "Send 
down  an  ambulance,  wagon-master,  and  have  them 
brought  up  and  carried  to  the  depot,"  The  lady 
afterwards  had  the  pleasure  of  being  landed  safely 
in  Washington  with  her  children  and  effects.  This 
was  a  little  incident  in  itself,  but  illustrates  the 
character  of  the  man. 

The  Thirty-third  did  not  disembark,  but  proceed 
ing  on  up  to  Alexandria,  went  into  camp  near  Fort 
Ellsworth,  on  the  24th,  just  five  months  from  the 
day  it  left  for  the  Peninsula.  Five  months  of  active 
campaigning  had  brought  with  it  all  the  fortunes  of 
war.  Victory  and  defeat  had  anon  perched  on  our 
banners.  New  Generals  had  come  and  gone.  Brave 
spirits  innumerable  had  been  shot  to  death  on  the 
field,  lain  down  in  sickly  swamps  to  die,  or  breathed 
their  life  away  in  northern  hospitals  or  homes.  The 
retrospect  wras  not  a  cheerful  one. 

The  other  Regiments  of  Franklin's  Corps  arrived 
during  the  same  day,  on  the  Daniel  Webster  and 
other  transports. 

General  Pope's  army  was  in  the  meantime  actively 
engaged. 

Saturday,  August  9th,  the  battle  of  Cedar  Moun 
tain  was  fought  between  Generals  Banks  and  Jack 
son,  which  can  hardly  be  claimed  as  a  victory  for  the 
Federal  arms,  though  the  subsequent  retreat  of  the 
enemy  left  us  in  possession  of  the  field. 


GENERAL    POPE'S    OPERATIONS.  167 

Wednesday,  13th,  General  Buford's  Cavalry  push 
ed  on  further  south,  as  far  as  Orange  Court  House, 
capturing  many  wounded  who  had  been  abandoned. 

Sunday,  17th,  the  army  encamped  along  the  banks 
of  the  Rapidan. 

Wednesday,  20th,  General  Pope  and  his  entire 
command  crossed  to  the  north  bank  of  the  river, 
and  during  the  same  day  Jackson,  who  had  been 
heavily  reinforced  from  Lee's  army,  appeared  at 
several  of  the  fords,  and  opened  a  brisk  and  lengthy 
artillery  fire.  Opposing  batteries  were  planted  along 
the  river  at  different  points  for  a  distance  of  fifteen 
miles.  No  advantage  resulted  to  the  enemy  from  this 
prolonged  artillery  duel.  They  succeeded,  however, 
in  throwing  a  body  of  cavalry  across  one  of  the 
fords  at  the  extreme  left  of  our  lines,  which  was  met 
by  a  corresponding  force.  A  severe  conflict  ensued, 
neither  party  being  the  victors. 

Saturday,  23rd,  the  rebels  made  a  spirited  attack  on 
Rappahannock  Station,  compelling  us  to  abandon  it. 
The  bridge  over  the  Rappahannock  at  that  point 
was  burned,  and  the  abutments  blown  up. 

Monday,  25th,  the  entire  left  wing  of  the  rebel 
army  crossed  the  river  at  Warrenton  Springs,  and 
General  Pope  immediately  decided  upon  abandon 
ing  the  line  of  the  Rappahannock. 

Tuesday,  26th,  Ewell,  with  a  part  of  Jackson's  com 
mand,  appeared  at  Bristow  Station,  in  Pope's  rear, 
and  destroyed  two  bridges,  two  locomotives,  and  fifty 
cars,  en  route  back  to  Alexandria  from  Warrenton 
Junction,  whither  they  had  conveyed  General 


168 

Hooker's  Division  a  few  hours  previous.  Leaving 
Bristow  Station,  Ewell  proceeded  to  Manassas  Junc 
tion,  and  burnt  one  hundred  more  cars,  heavily  laden 
with  ammunition  and  supplies.  He  also  destroyed 
the  bridge  over  Bull  Run,  and  retreated  to  Hay 
Market,  closely  pursued  by  Hooker  and  Kearney. 
About  the  same  time  Longstreet's  corps  forced  a 
passage  through  Thoroughfare  Gap,  after  meeting 
with  a  stubborn  resistance  from  General  King's  Divi 
sion. 

On  abandoning  the  Rappahannock,  General 
Pope  had  marched  rapidly  back,  in  three  columns, 
from  Warrenton  and  Warrenton  Junction,  and  dis 
posed  his  forces  in  the  following  manner.  The  Corps 
of  McDowell  and  Sigel  and  the  Pennsylvania 
Reserves,  under  Reynolds,  were  moved  to  Gainesville. 
Reno  and  Kearney  were  directed  upon  Greenwich, 
while  Hooker's  Division  was  sent  against  Ewell 
along  the  railroad.  These  dispositions,  General 
Halleck  tells  us,  were  well  planned,  but  were  un 
fortunately  too  late,  as  a  large  detachment  of  Lee's 
army  was  already  east  of  Thoroughfare  Gap.  Gen 
eral  Porter  was  ordered  to  be  at  Bristow  Station  by 
daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  28th,  but  not  obey 
ing  the  order,  his  Corps  did  not  participate  in  the 
battles  of  the  28th  and  29th.  Heintzelman's  Corps 
pressed  forward  to  Manassas  on  the  morning  of  the 
28th,  and  forced  Jackson  to  retreat  across  Bull  Run 
by  the  Centreville  turnpike.  McDowell  had  succeed 
ed  in  checking  Lee  at  Thoroughfare  Gap,  but  the 
latter  took  the  road  to  New  Market,  and  hastened  to 
the  relief  of  Jackson,  who  was  now  in  rapid  re- 


SECOND  BATTLE  OF  BULL  BUN.          169 

treat.  A  portion  of  McDowell's  corps  encounter 
ed  the  retreating  column  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
28th,  near  Warrenton  turnpike,  and  a  severe  but 
successful  battle  ensued. 

Friday,  29th,  Jackson  was  again  attacked  near  the 
old  battle  ground  of  July  1861,  when  a  heavy 
engagement  ensued.  Sigel,  who  had  arrived,  held 
the  extreme  right  of  our  lines.  The  enemy  en 
deavored  to  turn  his  position,  but  were  repulsed  three 
times.  Fighting  continued  until  dark,  at  which 
time  the  rebels  had  been  driven  one  mile.  General 
Pope,  in  his  official  report  of  this  battle,  wrote : 

"We  fought  a  terrific  battle  here  yesterday  with 
the  combined  forces  of  the  enemy,  which  lasted  with 
continuous  fury,  from  daylight  until  after  dark,  by 
which  time  the  enemy  was  driven  from  the  field 
which  we  now  occupy.  Our  troops  are  too  much 
exhausted  to  push  matters,  but  I  shall  do  so  in  the 
course  of  the  morning,  as  soon  as  Fitz- John  Porter's 
Corps  comes  up  from  Manassas." 

Upon  the  following  day  our  forces  were  arranged 
as  follows :  Heintzelman,  extreme  right ;  Porter  and 
McDowell,  centre;  and  Banks,  extreme  left.  Sigel 
was  held  as  a  reserve  in  the  rear  of  Porter.  We 
renewed  the  battle  at  7  o'clock,  A.  M.  Firing  was 
kept  up  on  both  sides  until  one  o'clock,  when  the 
rebels  charged  in  solid  column  upon  our  centre. 
They  were  at  first  repulsed,  but  again  advancing  in 
six  columns,  McDowell's  troops  gave  away.  The 
centre  now  being  broken,  the  wings  were  compelled 
to  tail  back,  when  a  perfect  rout  ensued.  Officers 


1TO  SLOW    MARCH    OF   THE    SIXTH    CORPS. 

and  men,  alike,  rushed  back,  pell  mell,  in  the  direction 
of  Washington,  as  fast  as  their  legs  would  carry  them. 
Eeaching  Bull  Eun  they  were  temporarily*  rallied 
and  held  the  advance  of  the  enemy  in ,  check,  but 
again  pushing  on,  they  did  not  stop  until  within 
sight  of  Centreville. 

Returning   to  General  Franklin's   command,  the 
Thirty-third,  together  with  the  other  Eegiments  of 
the  Corps,  received  marching  orders  on  the  28th, 
Tents  were  struck,  rations  provided,  and  everything 
got  in   readiness  to  hasten  to  the  support  of  Pope. 
But  the  movement  did  not  commence,  and  at  sunset 
the  tents  were  re-pitched.     Orders  came  again,  how 
ever,  at  ten  o'clock,  to  be  ready  to  march  on  the  fol 
lowing  morning.     The  Third  Brigade  was  in  readi 
ness  at  six  o'clock,  but,  proceeding  on  to  the  camps 
of  the  remaining  portions  of  the  Corps,  saw  but  little 
indication   of  a  move.     Tents    remained  standing, 
unharnessed  artillery  horses  were  eating  their  grain, 
and  other   evidences   of  an  intended  delay  were  ap 
parent.     After   the   lapse  of  two   hours,   the  Corps 
took  up  the  line  of  march,  and  proceeding  through 
Annandale,  halted  at   eleven  o'clock  for  the  day, 
after  having  made  a  distance  of  six  and  one  half 
miles.      The  next  morning  the  march  was  resumed 
at  eight  o'clock.     On  nearing  Fairfax  Court  House, 
the  artillery  firing  of  General  Pope  could  be  distinctly 
heard,    and  the  troops,  knowing  that  he  must   be  in 
need  of  reinforcements,  were  anxious  to  push  rap 
idly   forward.      But   they   were   moved    along    at 
a  snail  pace.      Arriving   at   Cub   Eun,  two   miles 


REMOVING    THE    WOUNDED    FROM    THE     FIELD.       171 

beyond  Centre ville,  large  numbers  of  wounded  men, 
stragglers  and  wagons  were  met  going  to  the  rear. 
Wliile  the  Thirty-third  was  fording  Cub  Run,  "  we 
were  ordered,"  writes  the  Lieutenant-Colonel,  "  to 
counter-march.  Our  army  had  given  way  and  the 
hellish  intentions  of  some  Generals  had  been  accom 
plished.  Pope  had  been  defeated."  The  Brigade  re 
turned  to  Centreville,  reaching  there  about  ten 
o'clock  at  night.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Corning  was 
immediately  ordered  to  proceed  with  the  Thirty- 
third  and  Seventh  Maine,  to  a  point  two  miles  to  the 
rear,  to  stop  the  stragglers,  who  were  now  hurrying 
towards  the  capital  by  whole  Brigades.  The 
Regiments  were  posted  across  the  road,  where  they 
remained  until  the  following  morning,  halting  and 
turning  back,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  a  lar^e 
number  of  the  panic-stricken  fugitives.  Being  re 
lieved,  they  returned  again  to  Centreville,  and  took 
up  position  in  one  of  the  lines  of  battle  formed  by 
the  Corps  to  cover  the  retreat.  Under  protection  of 
a  flag  of  truce,  some  sixty  ambulances  proceeded  to 
the  battle-field  and  brought  off  about  half  of  our 
wounded,  who  had  lain  since  Saturday  in  the  open 
air,  exposed  to  the  broiling  sun,  and  fierce  storm 
which  prevailed  Sunday  evening.  The  poor  fellows 
were  in  a  terrible  condition,  having  been  desert 
ed  by  the  surgeons,  who,  like  the  rest  of  the  army, 
were  panic-stricken  and  had  fled.  Nearly  two  hun 
dred  of  them  were  left,  the  flag  of  truce  expiring 
before  they  could  be  brought  away.  Just  at 
nightfall  (Monday)  a  portion  of  the  enemy  succeed- 


172       GENERALS  '  KEAKNPJY    AND    STEVENS    KILLED. 

ed  in  getting  in  our  rear,  between  Centre ville  and 
Fairfax,  and  fell  upon  the  supply  trains,  which  were 
withdrawing  to  Alexandria.  General  Stevens  was 
immediately  sent  back  from  the  former  place,  and 


Vienna,  15  miles  from  Alexandria. 

succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  away,  though  losing 
his  own  life.  lie  fell  at  tne  head  of  his  Brigade, 
pierced  through  the  breast  by  a  minie-ball.  Later 
in  the  evening  the  lion-hearted  Kearney  was  also 
killed.  It  was  his  habit,  like  that  of  Stonewall 
Jackson's,  to  ride  round  his  lines  after  the  troops 
were  asleep,  and  inspect  them  closely,  satisfying  him 
self  that  the  pickets  were  doing  their  duty.  Not 
unfrequently  he  would  start  off  in  this  manner  alone, 
and  be  absent  for  hours,  making  himself  fully  ac 
quainted  with  everything  that  was  transpiring  along 
the  lines.  It  was  while  out  on  such  a  tour  of  in- 


UNION   LOSSES.  173 

spection,  Monday  night,  that  he  was  shot  dead  by  a 
rebel  picket,  who  observed  him  riding  along,  from  a 
distance.  His  death,  as  well  as  that  of  General 
Stevens,  was  universally  lamented. 

The  entire  army  now  fell  back  to  the  fortifications 
around  Alexandria.  The  Thirty-third  left  the  front 
about  seven  o'clock  Monday  evening,  halting  at  two 
o'clock  on  the  following  morning,  one  mile  west  of 
Fairfax  Court  House.  The  roads  were  full  of  troops 
and  wagon  trains,  and  the  night  was  intensely  dark, 
which  added  to  the  confusion.  After  sleeping  two 
hours,  the  Division  again  moved  back  to  the  front,  and 
constituted  the  rear  guard  of  the  retreating  forces. 
About  ten  o'clock  it  was  withdrawn  and  proceed 
ed  towards  Alexandria,  reaching  the  old  camping 
ground  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

So  ended  the  second  series  of  Bull  Run  engage 
ments.  Owing  to  the  timidity  and  lack  of  confi 
dence  in  tl^e  people,  which  have  led  the  military 
authorities  at  Washington,  from  the  commencement 
of  the  war,  to  withhold  unfavorable  intelligence,  the 
country  has  never  comprehended  the  extent  of  the 
disaster  which  resulted  from  this  week  of  battles. 
Our  arms  unquestionably  suffered  the  severest 
reverse  which  has  yet  befallen  them.  In  addition  to 
the  loss  of  seventy-five  cannon  and  large  quantities 
of  small  arms,  equipments,  supplies,  etc.,  there 
must  have  been  fully  twenty  thousand  Federal 
troops  killed,  wounded  and  taken  prisoners. 

Neither  has  the  country  comprehended  the  right 
ful  causes  of  this  disaster.  We  believe  that  it  was 


174:  JEALOUSY   AMONG   OFFICERS. 

occasioned  solely  by  the  jealousy  of  military  officers, 
and  not  through  incapacity  on  the  part  of  Gen.  Pope. 
No  sooner  was  he  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
Army  of  Virginia,  and  large  forces  placed  under 
him,  than  an  emulous  spirit  manifested  itself  among 
the  Generals  of  the  Army  of  the  Peninsula,  When 
he  issued  the  injudicious  address  to  his  troops, 
announcing  that  his  headquarters  were  to  be  in  the 
saddle,  and  that  they  were  not  to  be  employed  in 
seeking  out  lines  of  retreat,  this  spirit  was  still 
further  developed.  Finally,  when  the  Peninsular 
forces  were  recalled  to  the  capital  and  placed  under 
Pope,  and  Gen.  McClellan  left  in  command  of  the 
fortifications  simply,  several  of  his  Generals  delib 
erately,  we  believe,  plotted  the  new  leader's  ruin. 
Gen.  Porter  was  unquestionably  the  most  guilty  one 
of  the  number,  and  merited  a  severer  punishment 
than  has  been  meted  out  to  him.  This  was  the  general 
opinion  entertained  in  the  army,  outside  of  his  own 
Corps.  However  much  they  loved  and  admired 
Gen.  McClellan,  the  troops  came  to  regard  his  pet, 
Gen.  Fitz-John  Porter,  with  distrust  and  suspicion. 
Had  he  obeyed  orders,-  Gen.  Pope  informs  us  that 
the  enemy  would  have  been  completely  routed. 

No  satisfactory  reasons  have  ever  been  given  for 
the  late  advance  and  slow  march  of  Gen.  Franklin's 
Corps  from  Alexandria  to  the  scene  of  operations, 
when  it  was  so  much  needed.  The  fact  of  his  never 
having  been  called  to  account  for  it,  is,  however, 
sufficient  reason  for  asserting  that  Gen.  Franklin  was 
not  responsible  for  the  delay.  He  was  too  much  of 


INJUSTICE   DONE   TO   GEN.    FRANKLIN.  175 

a  patriot,  too  much  of  a  soldier,  to  be  guilty  of 
any  machinations  against  a  brother  officer  and  his 
country.  Great  injustice  has  been  done  him  by 
associating  his  name  with  Gen.  Porter's. 

The  conduct  and  correspondence  of  Gen.  Mc- 
Clellan  all  go  to  prove  that  he  neither  shared  in  nor 
countenanced  that  spirit  of  rivalry  which  cost  the 
country  so  much  blood  and  treasure.  Gen.  Pope's 
plans  were  well  conceived,  and  if  they  had  been 
carried  out,  would  doubtless  have  resulted  in  a  sub 
stantial  victory.  However  questionable  his  veracity, 
we  cannot  withhold  from  him  the  meed  of  having 
displayed  good  generalship  in  the  East  as  well  as  in 
the  Vest. 


176  INVASION   OF   MARYLAND. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

General  McClellan  Restored  to  Command. — Re-organization  of  the 
Army.— Advance  of  the  Enemy  into  Maryland. — March  from 
Washington. — Battle  of  Crampton's  Pass.— Harper's  Ferry  Sur 
rendered. 

SOON  after  the  troops  fell  back,  Gen.  Pope  was 
relieved,  at  his  own  request,  and  Gen.  McClellan 
re-instated  as  Major  General  commanding.  He  im 
mediately  commenced  the  labor  of  re-organizing  the 
army.  The  lull  which  followed,  and  absence  of  the 
enemy  from  our  immediate  front,  boded  no  good. 
The  news,  therefore,  which '  soon  reached  Washing 
ton,  that  the  rebels  had  made  their  appearance  near 
Edward's  Ferry,  was  not  wholly  unexpected.  Friday 
night,  Sept.  5th,  they  crossed  the  Potomac  and  occu 
pied  Frederick  City  with  a  heavy  force,  destroying  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  for  several  miles,  and 
cutting  off  communication  with  Harper's  Ferry  and 
Martinsburg,  where  considerable  bodies  of  our 
troops  were  stationed.  Gen.  Lee's  plan,  he  after 
wards  stated,  in  crossing  the  river,  was  to  threaten 
Baltimore,  Washington  and  Harrisburg  at  the 
same  time,  thereby  diverting  the  attention  of  our 
authorities  while  he  encircled  and  captured  the  above 
forces.  Gen.  McClellan  immediately  pushed  for^ 
ward  to  meet  him, 


OCCUPATION   OF   FREDERICK   BY    BURNSIDE.        179 

Saturday  evening,  Sept.  6th,  Franklin's  Corps 
crossed  the  Long  Bridge,  followed  by  Simmer's  and 
Hooker's  (late  McDowell's),  and  proceeded  up  the 
Maryland  side  of  the  river.  All  night  long  the  solid, 
heavy  tramp  of  troops  could  be  heard  through  the 
streets  of  the  capital. 

The  Thirty-third  passed  up  Pennsylvania  Avenue 
about  7  o'clock,  and  marching  until  2  o'clock  Sun 
day  morning,  halted  at  Tanlytown.  The  march  was 
resumed  at  5  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  continued  for  six 
miles. 

Monday,  S0pt.  8th,  inarched  through  Rockville, 
halting  one  mile  west  of  the  place.  Many  of  the 
knapsacks  were  left  here,  and  afterwards  sent  back 
to  Washington.  Resuming  the  march,  bivouacked 
four  miles  east  of  Darnestown. 

Tuesday,  Sept.  9th,  moved  at  9  o'clock  A.  M., 
and  encamped  near  Seneca  Creek.  The  weather 
was  very  warm  and  roads  dusty,  but,  relieved  of 
their  knapsacks  and  other  effects,  the  soldiers  suf 
fered  comparatively  little. 

Thursday,  Sept.  llth,  marched  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M., 
and  halted  about  noon  between  Barnsville  and  Sugar 
Loaf  Mountain. 

Friday,  Sept.  12th,  marched  at  9  A.  M.,  encamp 
ing  near  Monocacy  Bridge,  which  had  been  destroy 
ed  by  the  enemy,  but  was  now  re-built.  The  same 
day  our  advance,  under  Gen.  Burnside,  entered 
Frederick,  the  people  turning  out  en  masse  to  wel 
come  them.  Just  before  reaching  the  city  they  en 
countered  a  Brigade  of  rebel  cavalry,  under  Fitz- 


180 

hugh  Lee,  whipping  and  driving  them  before  them 
in  gallant  style. 

Crossing  the  bridge  upon  the  following  morning, 
Lieut. -Col.  Corning  was  ordered  forward  with  the 
Thirty-third  and  Twentieth  New  York,  to  drive  the  • 
enemy  out  of  Jefferson's  Pass,  an  opening  through 
the  range  of  mountains  extending  southeast  of  and 
nearly  parallel  with  the  Blue  Ridge. 

Doffing  such  wearing  apparel  and  equipments  as 
were  not  necessary,  the  men  pressed  rapidly  forward. 
Their  dark  blue  uniforms  and  glistening  bayonets 
soon  appeared  among  the  trees  and  green  foliage  of 
the  mountain  side,  as  they  moved  upward,  scaling 
rocky  ledges,  and  clinging  hold  of  shrubs  and 
branches,  to  steady  their  footing.  The  enemy,  who 
were  posted  along  the  summit,  hastily  fled  as  they 
drew  near,  leaving  it  in  their  possession.  A  mag 
nificent  view  presented  itself  from  here.  Stretching 
far  away  in  every  direction,  were  rich  fields  of  grain, 
ripening  into  maturity,  thousands  of  cattle  feed 
ing  on  the  green  hills,  little  villages  and  farm  houses 
dotting  the  landscape,  the  church  spires  of  Freder 
ick  looming  up  in  the  distance,  and  at  the  base  of 
the  Blue  Mountains  immense  rebel  trains,  protected 
from  attack  by  the  frowning  guns  above.  Descend 
ing  the  opposite  side  of  the  mountain,  the  two 
Regiments  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  moving  for 
ward  a  mile  beyond  the  beautiful  village  of  Jefferson, 
picketed  for  the  night.  All  along  the  route  they 
were  enthusiastically  received  by  the  Marylanders. 
Fair  maids  plucked  the  richest  flowers  from  their 


CHASING   A    REBEL   TROOPER.  181 

gardens,  and  clustering  them  in  rich  bouquets,  placed 
them  in  the  hands  of  the  brave  New  Yorkers. 
Grave  matrons,  with  ruddy  daughters,  like  Angels 
of  Mercy,  came  to  the  gates  by  the  road-side  with 
cups  of  milk  and  water  to  refresh  the  thirsty  soldiers. 
Such  a  reception  was  hardly  expected,  and  was  the 
more  appreciated,  after  the  long  and  unpleasant 
experiences  among  the  rebel  men  and  women  of 
Virginia.  The  remainder  of  the  Division  came  up 
here  and  rested  for  the  night. 

Heavy  firing  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  Har 
per's  Ferry.  While  passing  through  Jefferson  much 
merriment  was  occasioned  by  the  chasing  of  a  rebel 
cavalryman.  Seeing  him  lagging  behind,  one  of 
our  troopers,  clapping  spurs  to  his  horse,  started  in 
hot  pursuit,  yelling  and  screaming  at  the  top  of  his 
voice,  as  he  rode.  He  continued  to  gain  on  the 
gray-back,  and  when  within  a  few  yards,  discharged 
his  carbine  and  revolver  simultaneously  at  him, 
which  so  alarmed  the  fugitive  that  he  wheeled,  and 
at  once  gave  himself  up.  A  little  further  on,  Col. 
Invin,  of  the  Forty-ninth  Pennsylvania,  who  had  now 
assumed  command  of  the  Brigade,  took  after  five 
rebel  videttes,  and  riding  into  their  midst  with  a 
revolver  in  each  hand,  compelled  three  of  them  to 
surrender. 

When  our  forces  advanced  to  Frederick,  the 
enemy  retreated  on  two  turnpikes  diverging  from 
the  city,  and  running  through  cuts  in  the  Blue 
Ridge,  six  miles  apart,  and  known  as  the  South 
Mountain,  or  Turner's  Pass,  near  Middletown,  and 
9 


182  BATTLE   AT   ORAMPTON's    PASS. 

Crampton's  Pass,  near  Burkettsville.  Having  forti 
fied  these  and  the  surrounding  hill-tops,  they  waited 
our  approach.  Gen.  McClellan,  after  reviewing  the 
situation  for  a  short  time,  decided  upon  storming 
these  positions.  To  Gen.  Franklin  he  assigned  the 
duty  of  taking  Crampton's  Pass,  while  he  superin 
tended  operations  personally  at  Turner's. 

The  Sixth  Corps  moved  forward  from  the  vicinity 
of  Jefferson  Sunday  morning,  and  on  nearing  Bur 
kettsville,  was  arranged  for  the  attack.  The  enemy 
seeing  this,  opened  a  heavy  fire  from  the  guns 
planted  on  the  heights,  but  the  troops  pressed  rapidly 
forward  on  the  double-quick  over  the  ploughed  fields 
and  meadows,  until  the  village  was  reached,  when 
they  halted  in  the  streets.  The  Thirty-third  lost  but 
one  man  while  running  the  gauntlet  of  the  rebel 
batteries.  Though  shot  and  shell  were  flying  in 
every  direction,  the  citizens  came  out  of  their 
houses,  waved  their  handkerchiefs,  cheered  for  the 
"  Union  Boys,"  and  brought  them  food  and  drink. 
After  resting  for  a  few  moments,  the  advance  was 
again  sounded,  and  Slocum's  Division  moved  to  the 
right  of  the  turnpike  and  engaged  the  enemy,  while 
Gen.  Brooks,  supported  by  the  Thirty-third  and 
other  Regiments  of  the  Third  Brigade,  marched 
directly  up  the  road.  About  3  o'clock  Slocum 
reached  the  Pass,  and  drove  the  enemy  from  it,  after 
a  hard  fought  battle.  Brooks'  column  immediately 
came  on,  and  dashing  up  the  woody  summit,  charged 
the  battery  at  the  left  of  the  Pass  and  captured  two 
guns,  together  with  numerous  prisoners.  Among 


183 

the  number  was  Col.  Lamar,  of  the  Eighth  Georgia, 
who  had  previously  been  taken  at  the  battle  of  Gol- 
den's  Farm  and  paroled.  It  now  being  dark,  the  troops 
retraced  their  steps  to  the  Pass,  and  moving  down 
the  west  side  of  the  mountain,  bivouacked  at  the 
foot  in  Pleasant  Valley.  Gens.  Hooker  and  Reno 
had,  in  the  meantime,  stormed  the  South  Mountain 
gorge,  though  in  doing  so  the  later  lost  his  life. 

Monday  morning,  the  Sixth  Corps  stood  to  arms 
at  sunrise,  and  prepared  to  march  to  the  relief  of 
Harper's  Ferry.  It  was  soon  ascertained,  however, 
that  Col.  Miles  had  surrendered  that  place,  and  the 
men  went  into  camp  again.  This  intelligence  so 
affected  Gen.  McClellan  as  to  cause  him  to  shed 
tears.  Tuesday,  the  Corps  remained  in  Pleasant 
Valley. 


1 84:  ANTIETAM. 


CHAPTER  XX. 
THE    BATTLE    OF    ANTIETAM, 

FOUGHT  WEDNESDAY,  SEPT.  17TH. 

THE  battle  of  Antietarn  was  the  first  substantial 
victory  which  crowned  the  labors  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  Williamsburg,  Fair  Oaks  and  Malvern 
were  all  victories,  but  productive  of  no  immediate 
results.  Fought  on  ground  of  the  enemy's  choosing, 
and  under  the  disadvantages  which  always  attend 
the  assailing  party,  it  was  a  decisive  struggle,  stem 
ming  the  tide  of  invasion  and  rolling  back  to  their 
rebellious  territory  Lee's  boasted  legions,  the 

"Eagged  multitude 
Of  hinds  and  peasants,  rude  and  merciless," 

who  had  come  to  "free"  "My  Maryland."  A  single 
regret  is  associated  with  Antietam :  that  the  enemy, 
defeated  and  driven  back,  were  not  followed  up  and 
annihilated. 

After  being  driven  from  the  mountain  passes, 
Gen.  Lee  withdrew  his  forces  from  the  vicinity  of 
the  Blue  Ridge,  Boonsboro  and  Hagerstown,  and 
concentrated  them  near  Sharpsburg,  in  horse-shoe 
shaped  lines,  the  heels  resting  near  the  Potomac. 


BIBD'S-EYE  VIEW  OF  THE  VALLEY.  187 

Gen.  McClellan  followed  with  his  entire  army,  save 
Couch's  Division  and  Franklin's  Command,  which 
having  been  detached  for  the  relief  of  Harper's 
Ferry,  were  several  miles  in  the  rear. 

The  valley  in  which  the  conflict  occurred  lies 
directly  west  of  the  spur  of  the  Blue  Kidge  known 
as  South  Mountain,  and  comprises  one  of  the  most 
delightful  portions  of  Maryland.  Looking  down 
from  the  Highlands,  the  eye  fell  upon  little  villages, 
crowning  eminences  or  nestling  in  dells ;  farm  houses 
standing  out  boldly  on  the  hill-tops,  or  half-hidden 
down  the  woody  slopes ;  yellow  fields  of  grain,  green 
pastures  and  sombre  fallows;  luxuriant  orchards 
and  groves  of  maple,  interspersed  with  oak;  the 
tortuous  Antietam,  forming  in  its  serpentine  wind 
ings  numerous  miniature  tslands;  lesser  streams 
sparkling  in  the  sunlight,  leaping  and  babbling  down 
the  mountain  side,  or  flowing  noiselessly  through  the 
verdant  meadows — the  whole  comprising  a  landscape 
of  surpassing  beauty  and  loveliness. 

Down  on  this  fair  valley  settled  the  "horrid 
cloud  "called  battle.  Over  this  gorgeous  patch-work 
of  nature  rolled  the  "hot  elements  of  destruction." 

Monday  afternoon  and  Tuesday  were  spent  by 
Gen.  McClellan  in  reconnoitring  the  enemy's  posi 
tion,  and  establishing  his  own.  He  likewise  devoted 
considerable  tim^  to  examining  the  topography  of 
the  region.  "  Two  hostile  armies,"  a  recent  writer 
observes,  "  on  a  battle-field,  are  two  wrestlers — one 
tries  to  throw  the  other;  they  cling  to  everything; 
a  thicket  is  a  basis ;  for  want  of  a  village  to  support 


188        TROOPS   POUKING   DOWN   THE  MOUNTAIN. 

it,  a  Regiment  gives  way;  a  fall  in  the  plain,  a 
transverse  hedge  in  a  good  position,  a  wood,  a  ravine, 
may  arrest  the  heel  of  that  column  which  is 
called  an  army,  and  prevent  its  slipping.  The  one 
who  leaves  the  field  is  beaten,  and  hence  the  neces 
sity  for  the  responsible  Chief  to  examine  the  smallest 
clump  of  trees,  and  the  slightest  rise  in  the  ground." 
No  General  ever  realized  the  truth  of  the  above 
more  than  Gen.  McClellan,  and  it  was  accordingly 
his  wont  to  inspect  minutely  the  ground  chosen  for 
battle.  Before  Tuesday  noon  he  had  familiarized 
himself  with  the  plan  of  "  Antietam,"  examined  the 
woods,  fields,  hills,  dales  and  streams  which  it 
embraced,  selected  the  commanding  positions  for 
his  artillery,  and  marked  out  the  level  spots  where 
infantry  could  be  manoeuvred  to  advantage. 

As  fast  as  the  troops  came  streaming  down  from 
the  mountain,  they  moved  to  the  various  points 
assigned  them.  It  was  an  inspiring  sight,  those  long 
shining  lines,  pouring  down  through  the  woods  and 
fields,  like  "  living  threads  that  went  to  weave 
themselves  into  the  glorious  tapestry  of  our  nation's 
history." 

There  was  the  chivalric  Burnside,  leading  the  con 
querors  of  Roanoke  and  Newbern — the  Ninth  Army 
Corps — which  he  loved  so  well.  Further  to  the 
right  came  Porter,  with  his  Regulars  and  well  filled 
ranks  of  Volunteers.  Still  further  on  appeared  the 
brave  old  Sumner,  whose  highest  wish  was  to  die 

O 

with  the  harness  on — followed  by  troops  who  adored 
the  hero  of  Fair  Oaks,  if  possible,  more  than  their 
Chief. 


ARRANGEMENT   OF   TROOPS.  189 

In  the  rear  rode  the  gallant  Mansfield,  who,  tired 
of  inactivity,  had  exchanged  the  ease  of  court  duty 
at  the  capital  for  the  command  of  Banks1  Corps, 
fresh  from  the  gory  fields  of  Cedar  Mountain  and 
Bull  Run.  Hither  was  he  come  to  uncover  to  the 
storm  his  head,  now  silvered  o'er  by  the  frosts  of 
nearly  sixty  winters,  and  die  while  cheering  forward 
his  men  on  a  charge.  And  there  too  was  the  coura 
geous  Hooker,  deploying  far  away  to  the  right  his 
battle-scarred  veterans. 

During  Tuesday  there  was  heavy  skirmishing 
between  the  infantry,  and  considerable  artillery  fir 
ing,  but  no  general  engagement  took  place.  Mean 
while  Lee  was  reinforced  by  Jackson's  Corps  of 
thirty  thousand  men,  who,  after  having  taken  pos 
session  of  Harper's  Ferry,  moved  rapidly  back  up 
the  Virginia  side  of  the  Potomac  and  crossed  over 
at  the  fords  near  Sharpsburg.  Aware,  as  he  now 
was,  of  his  superiority  in  numbers  and  position,  the 
rebel  chief  calmly  awaited  our  attack. 

The  dawn  of  Wednesday  found  the  Federal  army 
arranged  in  much  the  same  manner  as  the  day  previ 
ous,  Hooker  on  the  right,  supported  by  Mansfield, 
then  Sumner,  then  Porter  on  a  commanding 
eminence,  as  a  reserve,  and  lastly  Burnside,  on  the 
extreme  left. 

The  line  extended  between  four  and  five  miles.  The 
rebel  left  was  in  the  woods,  directly  in  front  of  our 
right,  and  their  forces  were  posted  across  the  valley 
between  us  and  Sharpsburg,  and  very  nearly  parallel 
with  our  own.  Our  artillery  was  planted  behind 

9A 


190  THE    ENEMY    BEATEN   BACK. 

the  crests  of  the  various  hillocks,  ready  to  be  run  up 
and  fire  at  a  moment's  notice. 

To  Gen.  Hooker  had  been  assigned  the  honor  of 
opening  the  great  combat.  During  th6  night  previ 
ous  he  had  crossed  the  Antietam  on  the  Hagerstown 
road,  and  gained  a  position  on  the  right  bank  of  that 
stream,  which  curved  round  in  front  of  our  forces. 

He  was  in  the  saddle  before  daylight,  and  the  ris 
ing  sun  shone  upon  his  troops  moving  forward  in 
battle  array — the  right  of  our  lines  sweeping  round 
towards  the  Potomac.  They  proceeded  but  a  short 
distance  before  encountering  the  enemy,  drawn  up 
to  receive  them,  and  soon  the  profound  stillness 
which  precedes  a  battle  was  broken,  and  Saxon  was 
pitted  against  Saxon  in  the  contest  of  death. 

Steadily  the  brave  fellows  pressed  forward  over  the 
wooded  and  uneven  ground,  regardless  of  the  infantry 
and  artillery  fire  which  was  concentrated  upon  them 
from  several  points,  and  sweeping  through  the  corn 
fields  and  grove  at  the  right  of  the  Sharpsburg 
turnpike,  bore  down  with  irresistible  fury  upon  the 
rebel  lines. 

They  stood  the  shock  but  a  moment,  and  then 
the  swarthy  foe  fell  back  in  disorder,  closely 
followed  by  our  victorious  boys,  who  made  the 
welkin  ring  with  their  shouts  and  cheers.  But  now 
come  reinforcements  for  the  enemy,  and  our  troops 
are  forced  back  from  the  ground  which  they  have  so 
gallantly  won.  For  a  moment  it  seems  as  if  Hooker 
will  be  overpowered,  so  heavily  has  the  enemy's  left 
been  reinforced,  but  the  timely  arrival  of  Mansfield 


GEN.    MANSFIELD    KILLED.  191 

stems  the  tide  of  rebel  success.  The  two  commands 
are  massed  together,  and  together  resist  the  on 
slaughts  of  the  enemy.  There  is  as  yet  no  fighting 
elsewhere.  All  the  energy,  skill  and  force  of  the 
respective  commanders  are,  for  the  time  being,  cen 
tred  on  this  point.  Hither  all  eyes  are  turned. 
Ten  o'clock  finds  the  troops  still  fiercely  engaged. 
Both  Hooker  and  Mansfield  are  lost  to  them.  Gen. 
McClellan  soon  arrives,  inspiring  the  men  by  his 
presence.  A  few  moments  later  Sumner  comes  up 
with  his  whole  Corps  to  the  relief  of  those  who  have 
been  fighting  for  three  hours. 

His  troops  suffer  severely.  It  was  true  he  exposed 
.them — unnecessarily  some  thought — but  no  more 
than  he  exposed  himself.  Wherever  the  conflict 
waxed  hottest,  there  he  was  to  be  seen  riding  to  and 
fro,  brandishing  his  sword  and  cheering  forward  his 
men,  his  head  uncovered  and  his  long  silver  locks 
streaming  in  the  breeze.  French,  Richardson, 
Kimball  and  other  brave  spirits  were  with  him, 
seconding  his  commands. 

The  gallant  young  Howard,  who  laid  aside  his  min 
isterial  robes  to  lose  an  arm  at  Fair  Oaks  Roads,  leads 
Burn's  old  Brigade  on  a  charge.  Close  by  appears  the 
intrepid  Meagher,  double-quicking  his  Irish  braves 
through  a  field  of  corn,  and  the  enemy,  who  have 
again  commenced  advancing,  are  checked.  Our 
reserve  artillery  are  now  trained  upon  them,  and 

"  Like  a  plow  in  the  fallow  through  them 
Plow  the  Northern  ball," 

creating  wide  gaps  and  producing  fearful   carnage 


192  A    CRITICAL    MOMENT. 

in  their  ranks.  But  determined  on  breaking  this 
part  of  our  line,  Gen.  Lee  continued  to  mass  his 
forces  here,  and  portions  of  Sumner's  troops,  weary 
and  exhausted,  began  to  recede. 

It  was  now  a  most  critical  moment — Mansfield 
killed,  Hooker  wounded,  Sedgwick,  Richardson  and 
Crawford  carried  bleeding  from  the  field,  —  the 
enemy  pressing  on  in  overwhelming  numbers, — our 
own  troops  giving  way, — what  should  we  have  done 
had  not  Franklin  arrived  at  this  juncture  from 
Pleasant  Valley  with  two  fresh  Divisions  ? 

The  force  had  left  Pleasant  Valley  at  daylight, 
and  marched  rapidly  to  the  scene  of  action.  The 
Third  Brigade,  with  two  others,  immediately  press 
ing  forward,  put  the  enemy  to  flight,  and 
established  the  lines  far  in  advance  of  where 
they  had  been  at  the  opening  of  the  fight. 
This  brilliant  success  cost  us,  however,  many 
casualties.  Fifty  were  killed  and  wounded  in 
the  Thirty-third  alone ;  among  the  former  was  Ser 
geant-Major  George  W.  Bassett,  a  brave  and  beloved 
officer.  He  was  shot  through  the  head,  after  bearing 
Lieut.  Mix  from  the  field,  seriously  wounded  through 
the  thigh.  Captain  Gifford  and  Lieutenant  King 
were  also  wounded.  Lieutenant -Colonel  Coming's 
horse  was  hit  three  times,  and  Major  Platner's 
killed.  The  Thirty-third,  and  other  Regiments  of 
Franklin's  Corps  sent  forward,  held  their  position 
during  the  remainder  of  the  contest.  The  fighting  on 
the  left  did  not  commence  until  later  in  the  day,  and 
it  was  noon  before  the  fire  of  musketry  announced 


GEN.  BURNSEDE  SENDS  FOB  REINFORCEMENTS.   193 

tli at  the  infantry  were  engaged  in  that  direction. 
The  •  first  advance  was  made  down  the  slope  of  a 
hill,  to  a  bridge  which  crossed  the  Antietam.  Be 
yond  the  stream  the  enemy  were  so  posted  as  to 
sweep  the  bridge  with  a  severe  musketry  fire. 
After  an  hour  or  two  of  fighting  for  its  posses 
sion,  a  charge  was  ordered,  and  the  structure  carried 
at  the  point  of  the  bayonet. 

Once  across  the  creek,  General  Burnside  found 
the  rebels  in  a  new  position  of  great  strength. 
Against  this  position  he  advanced  at  once,  and 
Gens.  Cox,  Wilcox  and  Sturges  soon  occupied  the 
hill.  No  sooner,  however,  had  they  appeared  on 
the  summit,  than  the  opposing  artillery  rendered  it 
untenable.  They,  therefore,  relinquished  it,  but  so 
planted  their  guns  that  the  enemy  could  not  re- 
occupy  it. 

The  rebel  infantry  now  appeared,  as  they  had  done 
earlier  in  the  day,  on  the  right,  in  overwhelming 
numbers,  and  attempted  to  drive  back  Burnside. 
Being  sorely  pressed  he  sent  to  Gen.  McClellan  for 
reinforcements.  "  Tell  Burnside  that  I  can  furnish 
him  no  more  troops."  (What  was  Porter  doing  all 
this  time  ?)  "  But,  General,"  answers  the  aid,  "  Gen. 
Burnside  is  being  crushed,  and  before  I  get  back  may 
be  overpowered."  "  Tell  Gen.  Burnside,"  Gen. 
McClellan  once  more  sternly  replies,  "  that  he  must 
maintain  his  position  at  all  hazards  and  at  whatever 
cost."  Lieut.  French  galloped  back  to  his  General 
with  this  verbal  communication,  and  from  that  time 
the  warm  intimacy  existing  between  McClellan  and 


194  WITHDRAWAL    OF    THE    ENEMY. 

Burnside — an  intimacy  which  had  sprung  up  when 
they  were  chums  together  in  civil  life — was  ended. 
Gen.  Burnside  felt,  and  justly  too,  that  some  of  the 
fresh  and  wTell  trained  troops  belonging  to  Porter 
should  have  been  sent  to  his  assistance.  He  withstood 
the  shock  but  a  few  moments,  losing  very  heavily,  and 
then  withdrew  from  the  extreme  position  which  he 
had  gained  near  Sharpsburg  to  one  slightly  in  rear 
of  it.  He,  however,  held  his  bank  of  the  river  com 
pletely,  and  maintained  much  ground  beyond  it, 
which  he  had  taken  from  the  enemy. 

Night  closed  upon  the  scene,  preventing  further 
operations,  and  our  victorious  troops  slept  on  the 
battle-field. 

A  guard  of  three  officers,  nine  Sergeants  and 
thirty  men  from  the  Thirty-third  wrere  posted  in 
front  of  the  Regiment,  and  after  dark  moved  forward 
to  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy.  Towards 
morning  the  officer  of  the  guard  informed  Lieut. 
Col.  Corning  that  the  rebels  were  moving  artillery 
back  by  hand.  He  immediately  reported  this  to 
headquarters,  and  in  the  morning  sent  Lieut.  Carter 
to  Gen.  Smith  to  announce  to  him  in  person  that  he 
had  heard  artillery  moving  to  the  rear,  and  perceived 
other  indications  of  a  retreat  on  the  part  of  the 
enemy.  An  hour  later  they  could  be  seen  from 
Burnside's  position  moving  back  to  the  river.  The 
men  were  impatient  to  dash  after  them  and  end  the 
war.  Where  was  McClellan  that  he  did  not  give 
orders  to  renew  the  conflict?  No  such  orders  came. 
About  noon  the  Third  Brigade  was  relieved  by 


GEN.  M'CLELLAN  CENSURED.  195 

Cochrane's  of  Couch's  Division.  The  afternoon 
passed  as  had  the  forenoon,  no  offensive  demon 
strations  being  made  by  us.  The  rebels  kept  up  a 
brisk  fire  from  their  skirmish  line,  which  fact  was, 
after  our  Peninsular  experience,  an  additional  evi 
dence  to  us  that  they  were  retiring.  About  noon,  on 
the  following  day  (Friday),  our  skirmishers  moved 
forward,  and  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  all 
crossed  to  the  Virginia  side  of  the  Potomac.  The 
whole  army  was  now  put  in  motion  and  encamped 
near  the  bank  of  the  river.  Gen.  McClellan  has 
been  severely  censured  for  thus  permitting  the  enemy 
to  slip  through  his  fingers,  but  he  committed  no 
greater  blunder  than  did  Lee  in  afterwards  allowing 
Burnside  to  escape  at  Fredericksburg  and  Hooker 
at  Chancellorsville. 


196  A    VIEW    OF    THE    BATTLE-FIELD. 


CHAPTEK  XXI. 

Appearance  of  the  Field  after  the  strife. —  Union  Losses  and 
Captures. — Bravery  of  the  Raw  Levies. — The  Thirty-third  com 
plimented  by  the  Brigade  Commander. 

One  forgets  the  horrors  of  war  in  the  roar  of 
artillery  and  shock  of  contending  thousands,  but 
when  the  field  is  afterwards  surveyed,  we  realize 
how  fearful,  how  terrible  is  the  calamity.  The  fall 
ing  back  of  the  enemy  left  the  battle-field  of  Antie- 
tam  in  our  possession,  with  all  its  heart-rending  and 
melancholy  scenes.  Scattered  over  a  space  of  four 
miles,  were  men  with  uniforms  of  blue,  and  uni 
forms  of  gray,  exhibiting  all  the  frightful  mutila 
tions  which  the  human  body  can  suffer. 

Shot  through  the  head,  shot  through  the  body, 
shot  through  the  limbs,  shot  to  the  death,  they  lay 
stretched  out  together,  wherever  the  surging  to  and 
fro  of  the  contending  armies  had  marked  the  line  of 
battle.  Approaching  the  field  from  the  direction  of 
liagerstown,  the  first  evidences  of  the  conflict  are 
seen,  in  a  small  grove  which  has  been  cut  to  pieces 
by  a  hurricane  of  shot,  and  shell.  Close  by  appears 
the  debris  of  a  once  elegant  farm-house,  literally 


A    WOUNDED   NORTH    CAROLINIAN.  197 

shot  down  by  our  guns.  Near  the  adjoining  barn 
are  several  dead  animals,  killed  in  their  stalls,  or 
while  grazing  in  the  pastures.  Advancing  further, 
the  fences  by  the  road-side  are  completely  riddled 
with  bullets.  Here,  for  several  moments,  two  con 
tending  Regiments  fought,  divided  from  each  other 
only  by  the  width  of  the  road,  until  both  were 
nearly  annihilated. 

Many,  who  fell  forward  on  the  fences,  still  remain 
in  a  standing  posture,  grasping  in  death  the  rails 
which  had  afforded  them  so  frail  a  protection.  Others 
lie  stretched  out  upon  the  ground,  fiercely  clench 
ing  their  muskets,  and  with  countenances  exhibiting 
all  the  savageness  and  ferocity  which  mark  the  war 
rior  in  the  strife.  Several  of  the  wounded  have 
crawled  close  into  the  fence  corners  to  avoid  the  hot 
sun,  or  lain  themselves  out  on  a  pallet  of  straw, 
gathered  by  their  own  hands  from  a  stack  close  by. 
Of  this  number  is  a  North  Carolinian,  who  on 
being  informed,  as  he  is  carried  away  to  the  hospi 
tal,  that  the  wound  is  very  severe,  replies,  "Cut  off 
my  leg,  for,  if  you  do  not,  I  shall  be  exchanged,  and 
again  forced  to  fight  against  the  old  flag,  which  I 
have  never  ceased  to  love." 

Further  on  is  a  Federal  soldier,  who,  though  he 
has  lost  a  leg,  is  consoling  himself  with  the  prospect 
of  soon  being  in  the  bosom  of  his  family.  Alas  for 
the  poor  New  York  boy  lying  near !  no  sight  of 
home  will  ever  greet  him,  for  the  death  film  already 
dims  his  eye,  and  the  clammy  sweat  is  gathering 
upon  his  brow. 


198  DEBRIS. 

To  the  left  and  rear  of  this,  is  the  corn-field 
through  which  the  Irish  Brigade  so  gallantly  charg 
ed,  when  Sumner  went  to  the  relief  of  Hooker.  The 
mangled  corpses  lie  in  heaps  among  the  tall,  bare 
stalks,  shorn  of  their  leaves,  as  if  by  a  hail-storm. 
One  long  row  of  rebel  dead  lie  in  the  outskirts  of  the 
field,  almost  as  straight,  and  regular,  as  if  they  had 
fallen  at  dress  parade.  They  were  drawn  up  here 
to  resist  the  charging  party,  who,  reserving  their  fire 
until  reaching  the  corn,  then  discharged  a  volley, 
which  bore  down  almost  the  whole  line. 

Returning  to  the  road  and  following  on  towards 
Sharpsburg,  we  come  to  the  little  elevation  on 
which  several  rebel  batteries  were  planted.  Numer 
ous  are  the  evidences  of  the  terribleness  of  our  fire, 
when  it  was  concentrated  upon  them,  as  the  battle 
progressed.  Dead  cannoniers,  dead  infantrymen, 
and  dead  horses ;  exploded  caissons,  broken  wheels, 
and  fractured  limbers ;  muskets,  revolvers,  and  stilet 
tos  ;  round  shot,  solid  shot  and  case  shot,  scattered 
promiscuously  together!  Could  mortal  live  under 
such  a  concentrated  fi re  ?  How  did  they  remain  and 
live  so  long  ? 

In  the  rear  of  here  is  another  corn-field  filled  with 
the  dead  and  dying  of  the  enemy.  A  solid  shot  has 
completely  beheaded  one  and  passing  through  the 
body  of  another  left  a  fearful  wound,  from  which  the 
bowels  are  protruding.  Stopping  to  draw  a  bucket  of 
water  from  the  well  close  by,  we  observe  two  more 
who  were  apparently  shot  while  lying  concealed  be 
hind  the  sweep.  The  dwelling  house  is  deserted 


BLOODY    LANE.  199 

and  the  barn  in  ruins ;  smoke  still  rising  from  the 
mass  of  smouldering  grain.  Returning  again  to  the 
road  and  entering  "Bloody  Lane,"  the  most  appalling 
sight  of  all  meets  our  eye.  Here  our  boys  succeed 
ed  in  getting  a  cross  fire  on  the  rebels,  and  they  lie 
in  heaps  from  one  end  of  the  lane  to  the  other. 
Retreat,  they  could  not,  surrender  they  would  not, 
and  only  eighteen  remain  uninjured  of  the  Regi- 
menfstationed  in  the  defile. 

The  pioneers  have  already  arrived  and  commenced 
burying  the  dead  in  long  trenches.  At  the  head  of 
one  of  these  is  a  rough  pine  board  bearing  the  inscrip 
tion,  "  142  dead  rebels  buried  here."  Pursuing  our 
way  through  the  fields,  past  the  ruins  of  a  dwelling 
destroyed  by  our  shell,  and  a  small  church  perfora 
ted  with  bullets,  we  arrive  in  front  of  the  position 
occupied  by  the  Thirty-third.  A  windrow  of  dead 
and  dying  rebels  lie  here.  The  Chaplain  is  kneeling 
in  prayer  with  a  young  South  Carolinian,  who  was 
shot  through  the  hip  and  afterwards  had  his  arm 
broken  and  fingers  taken  off  by  a  shell,  as  he  lay 
stretched  upon  his  back.  There  are  pools  of  blood  all 
around,  and  we  have  to  pick  our  way  carefully  to 
avoid  tramping  upon  the  prostrate  forms.  Cries  for 
water,  water,  are  heard  in  every  direction,  mingled 
with  the  moans  of  the  poor  unfortunates,  who  are 
breathing  their  life  away. 

Passing  further  on  to  the  left,  the  same  gory  sights 
meet  the  eye.  The  large  number  of  killed  and 
wounded  in  the  vicinity  of  Antietam  bridge,  testify 
to  the  fierceness  of  General  Burnside's  struggle  for 
its  possession. 


200 


SHAKP6BUKG. 


The  woods  here,  as  at  the  right  of  the  line,  are 
torn  and  shivered  by  shell.  Clasped  firmly  round  a 
small  sapling  is  a  confederate  with  a  bullet  through 
his  brain.  He  evidently  caught  at  this  tree,  when 
falling,  and  so  firm  was  his  grasp  that  death  lias 
failed  to  relax  it.  At  the  foot  of  another  is  stretch 
ed  a  Union  soldier  wearing  a  breast-plate.  A  small 
depression  made  by  a  ball,  shows  it  to  have  once 
saved  his  life,  but  a  second  bullet,  though  not>  per 
forating  the  plate  and  entering  his  breast,  has  glanc 
ed  upward  and  passing  through  his  chin  inflicted  a 
death  wound. 

Leaving  the  battle-field  with  its  gastly  sights,  we 
arrive  at  the  village  of  Sharpsburg  to  find  fresh 
evidences  of  the  conflict.  Buildings  burned  or 
perforated  with  minie  and  shell,  churches  filled 
with  abandoned  confederate  wounded,  disabled 
horses  running  loose  about  the  streets,  and  knap 
sacks,  guns  and  equipments  thrown  away  in  the 
hasty  flight  of  their  owners.  Antietam  was  a  sorry 
day  for  the  enemy. 

The  following  are  extracts  from  the  report  made 
by  the  Third  Brigade  commander  immediatedly 
succeeding  the  battle.  "A  severe,  unexpected  volley 
from  the  woods  on  our  right  struck  full  on  the 
Thirty-third  and  Seventy-seventh,  which  staggered 
them  for  a  moment,  but  they  soon  closed  up,  faced 
by  the  rear  rank,  and  formed  in  a  close  and  scorching 
fire,  driving  back  and  scattering  the  enemy  at  this 
point." 

"The   Thirty-third   and   Seventy-seventh,   under 


REPORT   OF   THE   BRIGADE   COMMANDER.  201 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Corning  and  Captain  Babcock 
repulsed  the  enemy  handsomely,  and  then  look  arid 
held  firmly  their  respective  places  in  line  of  battle 
until  relieved." 

Our  loss  during  the  engagement  amounted  to 
11,426.  That  of  the  confederates  has  never  been 
made  known.  Our  captures  in  this  battle  and  those 
of  the  mountain  passes,  amounted  to  thirty-nine 
colors,  thirteen  guns,  fifteen  thousand  stand  of  small 
arms,  and  six  thousand  prisoners.  The  enemy's 
wounded  were  kindly  provided  for,  and  received  the 
same  attention  as  our  own. 

A  very  noticeable  feature  among  the  officers  made 
prisoners,  was  the  entire  absence  of  shoulder  straps. 
A  narrow  strip  of  cloth  over  the  shoulder,  or  silver 
star  on  the  coat  collar,  were  the  only  insignia  of 
rank. 

Our  Regiments  of  new  troops  covered  themselves 
with  glory  in  the  fight.  In  fact,1?ea  Ridge,  Donald 
son  and  Newbern  had  previously  demonstrated  that 
true  courage  and  patriotism  are  more  than  a  match 
for  mere  drill  and  discipline.  Said  a  rebel  officer, 

while  extolling  their  gallantry,  " them,  they 

didn't  know  when  they  were  flanked." 


202  THIRTY    THOUSAND    MILITIA    IN    LINE. 


CHAPTEE  XXII. 

Pennsylvania  Militia. —  Visit  of  the  President. — Beautiful  Scenery 
along  the  Potomac. —  Harper's  Ferry.  —  "Jefferson's  Rock." 

Two  days  after  the  battle,  General  Smith's  Divis 
ion  moved  up  the  river  near  to  Williamsport,  to 
reinforce  General  Couch,  it  being  reported  that  the 
enemy  were  re-crossing  the  Potomac  at  that  point. 
The  Thirty-third  commenced  marching  at  ten 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  joining  General  Couch  at  day 
light.  Two  thousand  rebel  cavalry  had  forded  the 
river,  but  upon  finding  us  in  force,  retired.  About 
four  miles  in  the  rear,  the  Pennsylvania  Militia  were 
drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  across  the  turnpike 
leading  to  Hagerstown. 

There  were  nearly  thirty  thousand  of  this  ex 
temporized  army,  who  had  hastened  forward  from 
every  portion  of  the  State,  to  assist  in  repelling  the 
invader.  Clergymen,  lawyers,  doctors,  merchants, 
mechanics,  and  farmers  made  up  the  ranks.  Among 
the  privates,  manning  a  howitzer,  we  recognized 
Congressman  Kelly  and  Judge  White  of  Philadel 
phia.  The  men  were  armed  with  Sharp's  rifles, 
minies,  flint-locked  muskets,  shot-guns,  squirrel 
rifles,  in  short  everything  that  could  be  classed  under 


ARRIVAL    OF    TWO    HUNDRED    RECRUITS.  203 

the  head  of  "shooting  irons."  They  were  equipped 
in  every  style,  from  the  neat  soldierly  uniform  of  the 
Philadelphians  to  the  raw  homespun  of  the  Moun 
tain  boys.  It  was  truly  an  imposing  militia  turn 
out. 

On  the  23rd,  the  Regiment  broke  camp,  and  pro 
ceeding  north  on  the  Hagerstown  turnpike,  encamp 
ed  near  Bakersville,  where  it  remained  three  weeks. 
About  the  1st  of  October,  the  President  again  visit 
ed  the  army.  Having  reviewed  the  troops  at 
Harper's  Ferry,  under  General  Sumiier,  he  rode  up 
to  Antietain,  and  after  inspecting  the  battle-field,  re 
viewed  Generals  Burnside's  and  Porter's  commands. 
He  then  proceeded  up  to  "Williamsport,  and  inspect 
ed  the  troops  there,  Smith's  Division  passing  before 
him  about  three  o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of  the  2d. 
He  was  accompanied  by  General  McClellan,  and 
everywhere  welcomed  with  cheers. 

Monday,  October  6th,  Lieutenants  Rossiter  and 
Roach  arrived  with  two  hundred  recruits  for  the 
Thirty-third,  who  were  welcomed  in  a  brief  speech 
by  the  Lieutenant- Colonel.  Part  of  them  were 
apportioned  to  the  various  Companies,  and  the  re 
mainder  formed  into  a  new  Company,  D,  that  Com 
pany  having  been  disbanded.  The  men  very  much 
enjoyed  the  time  spent  in  Maryland.  The  sur 
rounding  country  was  very  healthy  and  fertile, 
affording  an  abundance  of  everything  for  man  and 
beast.  Sickness  and  want,  which  had  so  decimated 
the  ranks  on  the  Peninsula,  were  unknown  here. 

Never  did  painter's  eye  rest  upon  more  beautiful 


STROLLING    ALONG   THE    POTOMAC. 

and  picturesque  scenery  than  that  from  Williams- 
port  to  Harper's  Ferry.  The  wide  but  shallow 
Potomac  winds  gracefully  among  the  hills  and 
through  the  rich  valleys,  lined  on  either  side  with 
stately  oaks,  spreading  elms  and  weeping  willows, 
which  furnished  a  refreshing  shade  during  the  heat 
of  the  day.  Every  few  rods  little  rivulets  come 
leaping  and  dashing  down  from  the  highlands,  while 
an  occasional  larger  stream,  like  the  Antietam,  gives 
variety  to  the  scene.  The  canal  runs  nearly  paral 
lel  with  the  river  for  the  whole  distance,  divided 
from  it  by  the  narrow  towpath.  The  boatmen 
must  have  loved  to  reach  this  part  of  their  journey, 
where  the  tall  trees  hide  out  the  sun,  and  their  over 
hanging  branches  form  one  continuous  arbor  for  the 
drivers. 

Here  officers  and  men  used  to  come  daily  and 
recline  upon  the  green  banks,  or  wander  up  and 
down  the  stream.  Occasionally  a  party  would  ride 
down  ten  miles  to  Harper's  Ferry,  and  spend  the 
day  in  visiting  that  wild  scene  of  ruin. 

No  village  has  occupied  a  more  prominent  posi 
tion  in  connection  with  this  wicked  rebellion.  Cer 
tainly  no  other  has  experienced  so  many  vicissitudes ; 
for  from  the  beginning  of  May,  1861,  when  the 
rebels  seized  upon  the  place,  as  a  base  of  offensive 
operations  against  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania,  it 
has  changed  hands  with  the  changes  of  the  seasons. 

The  fortunes  of  war  have  transformed  it  from  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  and  prosperous,  to  one  of  the 
most  desolate  and  poverty  stricken  of  villages.  On 


205 

rounding  a  spur  of  the  Maryland  Heights,  it  appears 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Potomac,  clustering 
around  the  base  of  a  precipitous  hill,  climbing  its 
uneven  sides  and  extending  inland  for  some  distance. 
A  substantial  bridge  has  taken  the  place  of  General 
Banks'  pontoons,  and  trains  pass  to  and  fro  hourly. 
Underneath,  and  scattered  about  the  abutments,  are 
seen  the  remains  of  the  thirty-five  cars  and  engines 
thrown  into  the  river  by  Jackson's  forces.  The  cars 
land  you  among  the  acres  of  ruins  of  government 
buildings.  The  black  walls  remain  standing,  and 
but  little  of  the  rubbish  has  been  removed.  A  huge 
pile  of  gun-barrels,  locks,  &c.,  fused  by  the  heat  into 
a  shapeless  mass,  is  all  that  remains  of  the  thirty 
thousand  muskets  deposited  in  the  arsenal  before 
the  war.  Large  iron  wheels  are  lying  about,  one  of 
them  originally  costing  thirty  thousand  dollars. 

It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  of  all  the  government 
buildings,  John  Brown's  famous  "engine-house"  has 
alone  escaped  destruction.  This  is  a  brick  struc 
ture,  some  thirty  feet  square,  fronting  on  the  Po 
tomac.  It  seems  almost  incredible  that  the  mis 
guided  man  could  have  held  it  such  a  length  of  time 
against  such  fearful  odds,  and  then  only  to  surrender 
when  stormed  by  the  marines.  To  have  attempted 
it  was  unparalleled  bravery,  or  down  right  insanity. 

The  port-holes  which  the  old  man  dug  through 
the  walls  have  been  filled,  the  engine  removed,  and 
John  Brown's  fortress  is  now  used  as  a  rebel  prison 
house. 

The  harsh,  severe  weather  of  northern  latitudes,  is 

10 


206  PICTURESQUE    SCENERY. 

never  experienced  here,  nor,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
oppressive  heats  of  more  southern  localities.  The 
climate  presents  that  happy  medium  so  conducive 
to  health  and  enjoyment.  The  most  romantic  and 
picturesque  scenery  meets  the  eye  in  every  direction. 
On  the  right  are  seen  the  wild,  mountainous  regions 
of  the  Virginia  Highlands,  covered  with  oak  and 
evergreen,  and  intersected  with  deep  ravines ;  on  the 
left,  the  precipitous  Maryland  Heights,  now  white 
with  national  tents :  in  front  and  beneath,  the  Po 
tomac  and  Shenandoah,  flowing  majestically  togeth 
er,  consolidating  their  energies,  as  it  were,  for  cutting 
a  channel  through  the  lofty  mountain  range.  Close 
by  the  bank  of  the  latter  is  "Jefferson's  Rock," 
where  that  eminent  statesman  was  wont  to  retire  for 
meditation  and  reflection.  In  the  rear  the  pastoral 
lowlands  of  the  Shenandoah  stretch  out  as  far  as  the 
eye  can  reach,  rich  in  cereals  of  every  growth  and 
variety.  Of  the  thirty-two  hundred  inhabitants  be 
fore  the  war,  less  than  seven  hundred  now  remain. 
With  but  few  exceptions,  these  are  Unionists,  and,  if 
we  are  to  believe  their  declarations,  have  been  so  from 
the  first.  Fully  one  half  the  houses  are  vacant,  their 
secession  owners  having  decamped,  and,  being  con 
sidered  common  property  by  the  soldiers,  many  of 
them  have  been  stripped  of  doors,  windows,  and 
other  wood-work,  suitable  for  camp-tables,  stools,  fire 
wood,  &c.  Harper's  Ferry  is  indeed  a  sad  and 
striking  commentary  upon  the  rebellion. 


HAOERSTOWN.  207 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Hagerstown. —  Martinsburg. —  A  New  Campaign. —  Return  of 
Colonel  Taylor. —  Crossing  the  river  at  Berlin. —  Appearance 
of  the  Country. — Loyal  Quakers. —  Removal  of  General  McClel- 
lan. —  His  Farewell  Address. —  Causes  of  his  Popularity. 

SATURDAY,  October  llth,  the  Thirty-third  left  the 
vicinity  of  Bakersville  and  encamped  near  Hagers 
town,  which  is  a  thriving  village  of  some  four  thou 
sand  inhabitants.  It  is  the  county-seat  of  Washing 
ton  County,  Maryland,  which  has  sent  1,600  men  to 
the  war.  The  Herald  and  Torch,  a  staunch  Union 
paper,  is  published  here,  and  the  people,  with  but  few 
exceptions,  are  thoroughly  loyal.  During  the  first 
year  of  the  rebellion  a  secession  sheet  was  issued,  but 
the  people  becoming  exasperated,  compelled  the  editor 
to  remove  to  Dixie.  When  General  Lee  occupied 
the  place  a  few  weeks  since,  he  returned  and  coolly 
taking  possession  of  the  Torch  Office,  resurrected  his 
paper.  He  was,  of  course,  obliged  to  retire  with  the 
rebel  army. 

One  of  the  most  noticeable  features  of  the  place* 
was  the  numerous  bevies  of  fair  maidens,  who,  in 
accordance  with  the  southern  habit,  sallied  out,, 
after  tea,  without  shawls  or  bonnets,  on  moonlight 


208 

walks.  These  rambles  gave  rise  to  many  pleasant 
acquaintances,  at  least  on  the  part  of  the  soldiers. 

There  is  a  daily  stage  running  from  Ilagerstown 
to  Williamsport  and  Martinsburg,  two  other  thor 
oughly  loyal  places.  Martinsburg  is  situated  on 
the  Virginia  side,  thirteen  miles  back  from  the 
Potomac.  When  the  vote  on  the  ordinance  of  seces 
sion  was  taken,  it  gave  an  overwhelming  Union  ma 
jority,  though  rebel  bayonets  were  bristling  at  the 
polls.  Through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  this  unhappy 
struggle,  the  people  have  remained  true  to  their 
first  faith. 

On  the  same  day  that  the  Regiment  reached  its  new 
encampment,  General  Stuart  started  on  his  famous 
detour  round  our  lines,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Corning  was  despatched  with  the  Thirty-third  and 
Seventy-seventh  New  York,  and  two  pieces  of 
artillery,  to  the  Cavetown  Turnpike  bridge.  His 
instructions  were  to  watch  vigilantly  for  the  rebel  cav 
alry,  and  intercept  any  of  them  who  might  return  that 
way  from  Chambersburg,  where  they  had  gone.  But, 
instead  of  taking  the  backward  track,  Stuart  kept 
on  round  our  army,  and  passing  by  Frederick,  cross 
ed  back  into  Virginia  near  Edward's  Ferry.  This 
was  considered  a  wonderful  feat  at  the  time,  but  has 
since  been  cast  into  the  shade  by  the  operations  of 
General  Stoneman. 

Saturday,  October  18th,  the  Third  Brigade  passed 
through  Ilagerstown,  and  arrived  at  Clear  Spring 
on  the  following  morning.  The  Thirty-third  was 
immediately  stationed  along  the  Potomac  to  guard 


ADVANCE   INTO   VIRGINIA.  209 

Nolan's  Ferry,  Dam  No.  5,  the  "Fiddle-String," 
and  various  other  points  on  the  river  and  canal. 
The  weather  now  began  to  grow  cold,  and  a  north 
east  wind  blew  much  of  the  time,  which  occasioned 
some  discomfort  to  those  who  were  not  provided 
with  tents. 

On  the  27th,  the  Regiment  again  proceeded  on 
picket  for  three  days,  during  which  time  a  company 
of  Maryland  cavalry  forded  the  river,  and,  surprising 
the  rebel  pickets,  captured  several  of  them. 

Six  weeks  had  how  elapsed  since  the  battle  of 
Antietam,  during  which  time  our  army  had  been 
posted  along  the  Potomac  for  the  distance  of  twenty 
miles  or  more,  guarding  the  various  fords  and 
recuperating  their  energies  for  another  campaign. 
The  rebels,  in  the  meantime,  having  harvested  all 
the  rich  cereals  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  and  de 
stroyed  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  began  to 
fall  back  to  the  interior  of  the  State.  This  retrograde 
movement  commenced  during  the  third  week  of 
October.  General  McClellan  immediately  detected 
it,  and  prepared  for  an  advance.  Instead  of  follow 
ing  directly  after  the  enemy,  he  decided  upon  march 
ing  down  the  Loudon  Yalley,  lying  parallel  with  the 
Shenandoah,  and  separated  from  it  by  the  Blue 
Ridge ;  the  army  to  proceed  in  two  columns,  one, 
consisting  of  the  troops  around  Harper's  Ferry,  to 
march  along  the  southern  base  of  the  Blue  Ridge ; 
the  other,  comprising  those  about  Williamsport, 
Sharpsburg,  and  in  Pleasant  Yalley,  to  cross  the 
river  at  Berlin,  and  pursuing  the  various  turnpikes, 


210.  RETURN   OF   COLONEL   TAYLOR. 

unite  with  the  first  in  the  vicinity  of  Warrenton, 
about  forty  miles  from  the  Potomac. 

Friday,  October  24th,  a  detachment  of  the  Fiftieth 
New  York,  Engineers,  under  Major  Spaulding,  was 
sent  to  Berlin,  six  miles  below  Harper's  Ferry,  and 
constructed  a  bridge  1,500  feet  long,  consisting  of 
sixty  pontoons.  On  the  following  Tuesday,  October 
28th,  General  Franklin's  Corps  received  marching 
orders.  The  next  day  the  Third  Brigade  took  up 
the  line  of  march,  and  was  joined  at  Shafer's  farm, 
on  Thursday,  by  the  Thirty-third,  which  had  return 
ed  from  picket  duty.  Proceeding  through  Boonsboro 
and  Turner's  Gap,  the  Regiment  reached  Berlin 
on  Saturday,  where  it  was  joined  by  Colonel  Taylor 
and  Lieutenant  Corning,  returned  from  recruiting 
service.  Colonel  Taylor  had  been  very  successful 
in  his  labors,  having  secured  more  than  two  hun 
dred  new  men,  who  were  sent  on  at  Hagers- 
town. 

Troops  were  converging  at  this  point  from  all 
directions,  waiting  for  their  turn  to  cross  over  into 
Dixie,  and  long  trains  of  ammunition  and  supplies 
extended  back  into  the  country  for  miles.  At  sunset, 
on  the  evening  of  the  2d  of  November,  the  army  com 
menced  crossing.  The  crescent  moon  shone  brightly 
over  the  heights  of  Loudon,  and,  seemingly  far  up  in 
the  heavens,  a  red  signal  light  glimmered  on  the 
summit  of  the  neighboring  mountain.  Scattered 
along  the  Maryland  hillsides  for  miles,  were  camp 
fires,  lighting  up  the  picturesque  scenery  and 
shimmering  on  the  clear  and  sparkling  waters 


CROSSING   THE   RIVER   AT   BERLIN.  211 

of  the  Potomac.  Seated  at  one  of  them  was  the 
brave  General  Reynolds,  since  killed  at  the  battle 
of  Gettysburg,  dressed  in  a  turban  and  loose 
gown,  conversing  with  his  staff.  The  cries  of  boat 
men,  coming  up  from  below  with  supplies,  were 
mingled  with  the  clatter  of  horses'  hoofs,  whose 
riders  galloped  down  the  tow-path  from  Pleasant 
Valley  with,  dispatches  for  the  various  Corps  Com- 


Crosiiug  at  Berlin. 

manders.  The  occasional  booming  of  a  gun  could 
be  heard  in  the  west,  indicating  that  our  cavalry 
were  in  proximity  to  the  enemy. 

All  night  long  a  steady  stream  of  men  poured 
over,  cheering  lustily  as  they  reached  the  opposite 
shore.  The  Thirty-third  marched  over  the  bridge 
about  six  o'clock  in  the  morning  (Monday),  and 
passing  through  Lovettsville,  encamped  about  ten 
miles  from  the  river.  The  route  lay  through  a  most 


212  FOK  AGING. 

fertile  and  productive  region,  which  had  not  been 
ravaged  by  either  army,  and  the  boys,  witli  Stuart's 
raid  fresh  in  their  minds,  foraged  on  an  unparalleled 
scale.  Unmindful  of  Gen.  McClellan's  order  against 
"jayhawking,"  they  scoured  over  the  adjoining 
farms,  and  from  every  direction  were  heard,  through 
the  stillness  of  the  night,  the  piercing  wail  of  expiring 
pork,  the  plaintive  lowing  of  stricken  bovine,  or  sup 
pressed  cry  of  unfortunate  gallinaceous.  No  details 
of  guards  were  made  to  protect  the  rebel  inhabitants, 
as  was  the  case  on  the  Peninsula,  and  the  next  day 
found  many  of  the  men  mounted  upon  .  horses  and 
loaded  down  with  booty  of  every  description.  Not 
far  from  this  camp  was  the  scene  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Me  Vicar's  brillant  exploit,  where,  a  few  days 
before,  he  had  gallantly  led  a  charge  upon  the  en 
emy.  He  rode  far  in  advance  of  the  charging  party, 
captured  several  prisoners,  and,  in  addition  to  having 
his  horse  shot  under  him,  received  five  bullets  through 
his  clothing.  One  of  the  captured  horses  was  pre 
sented  to  him  by  the  commander  of  the  expedition, 
and  since  his  death  has  been  sent  home  to  his  widow 
at  Rochester. 

Tuesday  we  resumed  the  march  at  daylight,  and 
proceeding  fifteen  miles,  near  by  a  Quaker  settlement, 
encamped  beyond  Union.  "With  hardly  an  excep 
tion,  these  Friends  have  remained  staunch  Unionists, 
and,  what  is  more,  have  not  hesitated  to  proclaim 
their- anti-slavery  sentiments  when  the  rebel  minions 
have  been  all  around  them. 

Mr.  Yardly  Taylor,  the  leading  man  in  the  society, 


DESOLATE   APPEARANCE   OF   THE    COUNTRY.       213 

is  widely  known  among  the  Quakers  of  the  ^Northern 
States.  He  possessed  a  magnificent  estate,  beautified 
with  groves,  arbors,  gravel  walks,  and  gardens 
abounding  in  every  variety  of  exotics.  We  found 
him  a  very  genial,  affable  gentleman,  upwards  of 
60  years  of  age,  and  willing  to  do  anything  for  the 
Federal  soldiers.  This  Union  settlement  was  like  an 
oasis  in  the  desert  of  rebellion. 

The  road  from  Union  to  Philamount  presented 
numerous  evidences  of  the  severe  cavalry  fights  which 
had  taken  place  between  Gens.  Pleasanton  and  Stuart. 
There  were  also  several  Federal  and  Rebel  wounded 
scattered  among  the  farm-houses.  A  few  fresh 
graves  were  likewise  observed.  We  remained  in  camp 
until  two  o'clock,  Wednesday  afternoon, .  and  then 
inarched  five  miles  to  a  point,  where  the  various 
columns  of  the  army  could  be  seen,  extending  up 
and  down  the  valley  for  many  miles,  and  presenting 
a  fine  spectacle.  Heavy  cannonading  was  heard  all 
day  from  the  front. 

Thursday  we  marched  seven  miles  more.  As  we 
proceeded  further  into  Virginia,  the  country  grew  very 
desolate,  exhibiting  all  the  ravages  and  evils  of  war. 
Gens.  Geary  and  Blenker  with  his  German  Division, 
had  both  been  through  here  in  the  spring,  and  the 
rebel  army  had  since  come  along  and  destroyed  what 
they  left.  It  seemed  as  though  the  hand  of  the 
destroying  angel  had  swept  over  the  land,  withering 
as  it  went. 

Owing,  however,  to  the  absence  of  nearly  all  the 
men  in  the  army,  the  game  in  this  region  had  not 

10A 


214  REMOVAL    OF    GEN.    M'cLELLAN. 

been  hunted  down,  and  was  found  in  abundance. 
The  fur,  fin  and  feather  tribes  held  almost  undisputed 
sway  in  the  forests  and  streams. 

Friday  we  marched  at  6  A.  M.,  and  arriving  at 
White  Plains,  waited  for  supplies.  A  dreary  snow 
storm  prevailed  all  day,  covering  the  ground  to  the 
depth  of  several  inches.  Many  of  the  men,  who  had 
imprudently  thrown  away  their  overcoats  or  blankets, 
suffered  severely  from  the  cold. 

The  intelligence  received  on  Saturday,  that  Gen. 
McClellan  had  been  removed,  added  still  more  to 
the  gloom.  The  order  for  his  removal  reached  his 
headquarters  at  Rectortown,  a  small  village  to  the 
right  of  White  Plains,  about  11  o'clock  on  the  pre 
vious  evening.  Gen.  Gorman  and  several  members  of 
his  staff  were  present  at  the  time.  He  continued  con 
versing  in  a  cheerful  manner,  and  was  apparently 
the  least  affected  one  of  the  number.  Gen.  Burn- 
side,  to  whom  the  command  was  turned  over,  soon 
made  his  appearance,  and  spent  the  greater  portion 
of  the  night  in  consultation  with  him,  after  which 
Gen.  McClellan  penned  the  following  farewell 
address  to  his  troops : 

HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  TIIE  POTOMAC,          ) 

CAMP  NEAR  RECTORTOWN,  YA.,  > 

November  7th,  1862.        ) 

Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  : 

An  order  of  the  President  devolves  upon  Major 
General  Burnside  the  command  of  this  army.  In 
parting  from  you  I  cannot  express  the  love  and  grat 
itude  I  bear  you.  As  an  army,  you  have  grown 


FAREWELL   TO    HIS   TROOPS.  215 

up  under  my  care.  In  von  I  have  never  found 
doubt  or  coldness.  The  battles  you  have  fought 
under  my  command,  will  probably  live  in  our 
nation's  history.  The  glory  you  have  achieved ; 
our  marches,  perils  and  fatigues ;  the  graves  of  our 
comrades  fallen  in  battle  and  by  disease  ;  the  broken 
forms  of  those  whom  wounds  and  sickness  have  dis 
abled  ;  the  strongest  associations  which  exist  among 
men,  unite  us  still  by  an  indissoluble  tie.  We  shall 
ever  be  comrades  in  supporting  the  Constitution  of 
our  country,  and  the  nationality  of  its  people. 

GEOEGE  B.  McCLELLAN, 
j\faj  or- General  United  States  Army. 

On  the  Sunday  evening  following,  he  gave  an 
informal  reception  at  his  tent,  where  several  hours 
were  spent  in  conversation.  Upon  one  of  the  guests 
remarking  to  him,  "  General,  we  shall  see  you  back 
again  in  a  fortnight/'  he  replied,  "  If  I  never  return 
to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  may  I  live  to  write  its 
history.  It  is  a  task  to  which  I  shall  devote  myself." 

To  another  he  remarked,  "  I  feel  as  if  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  belonged  to  me.  It  is  mine.  I  feel 
that  its  officers  are  my  brothers,  its  soldiers  my 
children.  This  separation  is  like  a  forcible  divorce 
of  husband  and  wrife."  Of  his  successor,  he  said : 
"  Burnside  is  the  best  and  honestest  of  men.  He  is 
no  Mr.  Pope,  he  w^ill  do  a  great  deal  better  than  you 
expect."  Monday  he  rode  among  the  troops,  accom 
panied  by  a  large  retinue,  and  took  an  affectionate 
adieu  of  all  of  them.  History  fails  to  present,  if  we 
except  the  parting  of  Napoleon  from  his  soldiers,  so 


216  SECRET    OF    HIS    POPULARITY. 

affecting  and  imposing  a  spectacle  as  was  this  fare 
well  of  Gen.  McClellan  to  the  army,  whose  leaoler 
he  had  been  for  eighteen  months.  After  visiting 
the  troops  at  Warrenton  and  vicinity,  he  rode  out  to 
New  Baltimore,  where  Smith's  Division  had  arrived. 
The  various  Regiments  were  drawn  up  in  line, 
with  bright  uniforms  and  burnished  arms,  and  as 
their  late  Chief  passed  slowly  before  them,  rent  the 
air  with  cheers.  It  was  a  great  ovation,  shrouded 
in  the  gloom  of  a  funeral  occasion. 

Gen.  McClellan's  connection  with  the  soldiers  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  ended,  but  nothing 
could  sever  the  bonds  of  friendship  and  affection 
which  united  him  to  them.  To  many  the  secret  of 
this  great  popularity  has  ever  been  a  mystery.  It 
arose  from  a  variety  of  causes.  It  is  rarely  the  case 
that  a  Regiment  does  not  become  attached  to  its 
Colonel,  a  Brigade  to  its  Brigadier,  and  a  Division 
or  Corps  to  its  Major-Gen eral.  In  the  same  manner 
the  army  became  attached  to  its  commander.  Long 
connection  increases  this  attachment,  and  General 
McClellan  had  been  associated  with  these  soldiers 
for  nearly  a  year  and  a  half. 

Gen.  McClellan  possessed  a  physique  and  address 
calculated  to  excite  admiration.  Indeed,  it  was  pro 
verbial  in  the  army  that  no  one  could  doff  his  hat  so 
gracefully  as  "  Little  Mac."  In  addition  to  being 
Napoleonic  in  his  appearance,  he  was  Napoleonic  in 
his  speeches  and  orders,  which  equally  won  their 
hearts.  He  was  likewise  free  from  that  boasting 
spirit  which  had  made  Pope  so  unpopular. 


THE    ENTHUSIASM    FOB    HIM    NOT    UNIVERSAL.        217 

He  visited  frequently  among  his  troops — an  im 
portant  means  of  winning  popularity.  His  Generals, 
appointed  and  promoted  through  his  influence, 
thoroughly  infused  a  McClellan  element  into  their 
commands.  An  anny  of  Generals  bear  very  much 
the  same  relation  to  their  Chief  that  office-holders 
do  to  the  head  of  their  party.  By  maintaining  him 
in  his  position,  they  ensure  their  own,  and  in  pro 
moting  his  interests,  they  promote  themselves.  Espe 
cially  is  this  true  under  a  Democratic  form  of 
Government,  where  politics  exert  such  an  undue 
influence  in  the  army. 

Gen.  McClellan's  troops  were,  furthermore,  of  the 
opinion  that  his  plans  had  been  interfered  with  by 
the  Washington  authorities,  and  promised  reinforce 
ments  withheld  at  the  very  moment  he  most  needed 
them.  Finally,  they  believed  that  he  could  lead 
them  to  victory. 

When  we  speak  of  this  enthusiasm  for  General 
McClellan,  we  do  not,  however,  imply  that  it  was 
universal.  Not  only  Burnside,  but  his  whole  Ninth 
Army  Corps,  began  to  question  his  military  capa 
city,  when  he  failed  to  "  push  the  enemy  to  the 
wall,"  on  the  day  succeeding  the  battle  of  Antietam. 
The  troops  who  had  previously  been  attached  to 
the  Department  of  Virginia  proper,  as  well  as  the 
new  levies,  were  to  a  certain  extent  indifferent  as  to 
who  might  be  their  leader. 


218      GENERAL    BUKNSIDK's    ADDRESS    TO    THE    ARMY. 


CIIAPTEE  XXIY. 

Gen.  McClellan's  Departure.— Gen.  Burnside's  Address. — March  to 
Fredericksburg.— Reasons  for  choosing  this  Route.— Randolph  EH- 
tate. — Failure  of  the  Pontoons  to  Arrive. — Stafford  Court  House- 
— The  Thirty-third  preparing  Winter  Quarters. — Scouting  Par 
ties.— The  Ashby  Family. 

GEN.  MCCLELLAN  took  his  departure  for  Washing 
ton  on  a  special  train  from  Warrenton,  Tuesday 
noon,  and  Gen. .  Burnside  assumed  command,  after 
issuing  the  following  address  : 

"In  accordance  with  General  Orders  No.  182, 
issued  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  I  here 
by  assume  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
Patriotism  and  the  exercise  of  my  every  energy  in 
the  direction  of  this  army,  aided  by  the  full  and 
hearty  co-operation  of  its  officers  and  men,  will,  I 
hope,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  ensure  its  success. 

"Having  been  a  sharer  of  the  privations,  and  a 
witness  of  the  bravery  of  the  old  Army  of  the 
Potomac  in  the  Maryland  campaign,  and  fully  iden 
tified  with  them  in  their  feelings  of  respect  and 
esteem  for  Gen.  McClellan,  entertained  through  a 
long  and  most  friendly  association  with  him,  I  feel 
that  it  is  not  as  a  stranger  that  I  assume  command. 

"  To  the  Ninth  Army  Corps,  so  long  and  inti 
mately  associated  with  me,  I  need  say  nothing.  Our 
histories  are  identical. 

"  With  diffidence  for  myself,  but  with  a  proud  con- 


ORGANIZATION    OF   GRAND    DIVISIONS.  219 

fidence  in  the  unswerving  loyalty  and  determination 
of  the  gallant  army  now  entrusted  to  my  care,  I 
accept  its  control,  with  the  steadfast  assurance  that 
the  just  cause  must  prevail. 

"A.  E.  BURNSIDE, 
" Mayor-General  Commanding*'* 

He  immediately  proceeded  to  organize  the  army 
into  three  Grand  Divisions — the  Second  and  Ninth 
Corps,  under  Sumner,  comprising  the  right ;  Third 
and  Fifth,  under  Hooker,  the  centre ;  and  First  and 
Sixth,  under  Franklin,  the  left.  Gen.  Smith  suc 
ceeded  Franklin  in  the  command  of  the  Sixth  Corps, 
and  Gen.  Howe  was  placed  in  charge  of  the 
Division. 

We  had  now  obtained  possession  of  all  the  Gaps  in 
the  Blue  Ridge.  But  we  had  merely  locked  the  door 
after  the  escape  of  the  animal,  for  the  enemy,  instead 
of  being  cooped  up  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  were 
in  advance  of  us,  well  on  their  wray  to  Culpepper. 
After  mature  deliberation  and  consultation  with 
Gen.  Halleck,  who  had  arrived  at  Warrenton,  Gen. 
Burnside  decided  to  march  rapidly  to  Freder- 
icksburg,  cross  the  Rappaliannock  at  that  place,  and 
pushing  southward,  seize  some  point  on  the  rail 
road,  and  fight  a  battle  with  Lee  before  he  could 
mass  all  his  forces.  His  reasons  for  choosing  this 
route  in  preference  to  the  one  by  Gordonsville,  he 
has  since  stated,  as  follows :  "  The  further  we  got 
into  the  interior  of  Virginia  the  larger  would  be  our 
line  of  communications,  and  the  greater  would  be 


220     REASONS    FOR    THE    FREDERICKSBURG     ROUTE. 

the  difficulty  we  would  have  in  keeping  them  open, 
as  the  enemy  had  on  our  right  flank  a  Corps  that  at 
almost  any  time  could,  by  a  rapid  movement,  seri 
ously  embarrass  us.  If  we  were  caught  by  the 
elements  so  far  from  our  base  of  supplies,  and  at  the 
same  time  in  the  enemy's  country,  where  they  had 
means  of  getting  information  that  we  had  not,  it 
might,  I  thought,  prove  disastrous  to  the  army,  as 
we  had  but  one  line  of  railway  by  which  to  supply 
it.  In  moving  upon  Fredericksburg,  we  would  all 
the  time  be  as  near  Washington  as  would  the  enemy; 
and  after  arriving  at  Fredericksburg,  we  would  be 
at  a  point  nearer  Richmond  than  we  would  be  even 
if  we  should  take  Gordonsville.  On  the  Gordons- 
ville  line  the  enemy,  in  my  opinion,  would  not  give 
us  a  decisive  battle  at  any  place  this  side  of  Rich 
mond.  They  could  defend  Gordonsville  until  such 
time  as  they  felt  they  had  given  us  a  check,  and 
then  with  so  many  lines  of  rail  open  to  them, 
they  would  move  upon  Richmond  or  Lynchburg, 
and,  in  either  case,  the  difficulty  of  following  them 
would  be  very  great."  Gen.  Halleck  agreed  to  have 
the  pontoons  ready  for  him  at  Falmouth,  opposite 
Fredericksburg,  on  his  arrival. 

Saturday  and  Sunday,  Nov.  15th  and  16th,  the 
army  started  in  a*  south-easterly  direction  in  three 
columns,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  force,  which 
bore  off  towards  Culpepper,  to  mislead  and  cause 
the  enemy  to  think  we  were  going  to  advance  in 
that  direction.  The  Thirty-third  broke  camp  early 
on  Sunday,  and  marching  sixteen  miles,  encamped 


THE   ROANOKE   ESTATE.  221 

in  a  beautiful  grove  near  Catlett's  Station.  The 
men  were  in  fine  spirits,  and  moved  rapidly  over  the 
good  roads,  inspired  with  the  hope  that  they  were 
now  going  to  Richmond  without  fail. 

The  first  day's  inarch  presented  nothing  worthy  of 
interest,  unless  it  was  the  worn-out  and  ruined 
plantations  which  were  seen  on  every  side.  Upon 
halting  at  one  we  found  the  mansion,  situated  back 
from  the  road,  entirely  deserted.  Windows,  doors, 
and  everything  of  a  combustible  nature,  had  dis 
appeared  from  the  once  splendid  dwelling.  Xear  by 
were  a  number  of  rude  log  huts,  occupied  by  negroes. 
A  bevy  of  children  sallied  out  to  inspect  us  as  we 
rode  up,  betraying  all  that  eager  curiosity  peculiar 
to  the  African  race.  They,  together  with  a  few 
helpless  old  men  and  women,  were  the  sole  occu 
pants  of  the  place.  From  them  we  learned  that  it 
belonged  to  a  second  cousin  of  John  Randolph  of 
Roanoke,  who  had  died  a  few  weeks  before,  and  was 
buried  beneath  a  tall  oak  in  front  of  the  mansion. 
The  widow  had  gone  to  Fredericksburg,  taking  with 
her  what  effects  she  could. 

Monday  morning  the  reveille  was  sounded  very 
early,  and  by  six  o'clock  the  Regiment  was  on  its 
way.  The  march  lay  through  a  country  more  barren 
and  desolate,  if  possible,  than  that  north  of  War- 
renton,  presenting  the  worst  features  of  a  slave  region. 
"  Snatching1'  and  "  jayhawking"  continued  to  be  the 
order  of  the  day,  as  when  in  the  London  Valley. 
"  How  are  you,  Stuart  ?"  "  I  believe  this  horse  came 
from  Pennsylvania ;"  "'This  is  a  Maryland  pig ;"  were 


222 


REBEL    FARMERS    IN   TROUBLE. 


among  the  oft  repeated  responses  made  to  the  rebel 
farmers,  who  expostulated  with  the  boys  for  making 
way  with  their  animals.  Very  little  satisfaction 
could  be  obtained  from  the  "  invaders."  War  the 


A  Virginia  Sowing  Machine. 

Virginians  wanted,  and  war  they  should  now  have 
to  their  hearts'  content.  After  a  inarch  of  fourteen 
miles,  we  bivouacked  near  the  mouth  of  Acquia  Creek. 

Tuesday  we  proceeded  about  fourteen  miles  further, 
and  encamped  near  Stafford  Court  House,  between 
the  Potomac  and  Rappahannock  rivers,  about  ten 
miles  from  the  latter. 

The  right  and  centre  Divisions  had  now  arrived  in 
the  vicinity  of  Falrnouth,  but  no  pontoons  greeted 
the  eye  of  Gen.  Burnside.  The  Washington  author 
ities  had  neglected  to  forward  these  essentials  for 
crossing  the  river,  and  the  rapid  and  successful 
marching  had  been  to  no  purpose.  In  a  day  or  two 
more  the  enemy  would  be  on  hand,  fortifying  the 
Fredericksburg  Heights,  and  resisting  our  passage. 


LOCATION   OF   THE   VARIOUS   CORPS.  223 

How  great  must  have  been  the  Commanding 
General's  disappointment  and  anger  at  this  phase  of 
affairs!  All  his  plans  foiled;  the  whole  campaign 
a  failure ;  simply  because  some  one  had  "  forgotten 
to  give  the  order"  for  forwarding  a  few  pontoons. 

The  Second,  Third,  Fifth  and  Ninth  Corps  en 
camped  near  the  river.  The  Sixth  remained  near 
Stafford  Court  House,  and  the  First,  pushing  on  to 
Brooks'  Station,  was  stretched  along  the  Fredericks- 
burg  and  Acquia  railroad,  upon  which  repairs 
were  immediately  commenced.  Generals  Franklin 
and  Smith,  who  were  boon  companions,  and  nearly 
always  together,  located  their  headquarters  in  a 
grove  close  by  the  village  of  Stafford,  which  present 
ed  a  scene  of  utter  ruin.  Dwellings,  formerly  occu 
pied  by  the  better  class,  were  deserted,  and  the 
surrounding  negro  huts  consumed,  timber  by  timber, 
in  the  camp  fires  of  the  Union  soldiers.  Our  troops 
had  occupied  the  place  during  the  previous  spring. 
The  once  neat  Court  House  stood  by  the  road  side,  a 
striking  monument  to  treason  and  rebellion.  De 
prived  of  its  white  picket  fence,  stripped  of  window 
blinds,  benches  and  doors,  walls  defaced  by  various 
hieroglyphics,  the  judge's  bench  a  target  for  the 
expectorating  Yankee,  the  circular  enclosure  for 
the  jury  besmeared  with  mud,  and  valuable  docu 
ments  lying  about  the  floor;  it  was  indeed  a  sad 
picture  of  what  an  infatuated  people  will  bring  upon 
themselves.  In  one  corner  of  the  yard  stood  a 
House  of  Records,  in  which  had  been  filed  all  the 
important  documents  belonging  to  the  county  for  a 


STAFFORD   COURT-HOUSE. 


century.  But  they  now  lay  scattered  upon  the  floor 
around  the  steps,  and  in  the  door  yard,  to  the  depth 
of  fifteen  inches  or  more.  It  is  impossible  to  esti- 


Warwick  Court-House,  near  Youngs'  Mills,  Virginia. 

mate  the  inconvenience  and  loss  which  will  follow 
this  wholesale  destruction  of  deeds,  claims,  mort 
gages,  &c. 

The  jail,  across  the  way  from  the  Court  House, 
where  many  a  poor  fugitive  had  doubtless  languish 
ed  in  chains  for  striking  out  for  freedom,  was  con 
verted  into  a  guard-house.  Peeping  through  the 
iron  grates  of  the  windows,  were  to  be  seen  the  bilious 
countenances  of  several  culprits,  who,  may  be,  were 
atoning  for  having  invaded  a  hen  roost  or  bagged 
an  unsuspecting  pig. 

Colonel    Taylor's   men    took   up   position   on   a 


PREPARING   COMFORTABLE    QUARTERS.  225 

woody  crest,  and  immediately  commenced  felling 
trees,  pitching  tents,  building  camp  fires,  and  making 
themselves  comfortable  generally.  The  constant 
ringing  of  numerous  axes  and  crashing  of  falling 
trees  all  around  us,  recalled  memories  of  other  days, 
and  it  was  difficult  to  realize  that  we  were  not  in  a 
western  log  clearing.  Indeed,  the  army  of  "invaders" 
have  accomplished  for  Virginia  what  her  indolent 
population  have  failed  to  do,  cleared  up  the  wood 
lands,  and  let  the  sunlight  into  many  a  hitherto 
cheerless  and  unhealthy  spot. 

The  boys,  as  if  prescient  of  coming  delay  and  ease, 
soon  besran  to  construct  elaborate  log  huts,  which 

O  O 

afforded  a  much  more  comfortable  shelter  than  the 
thin,  airy  tents.  Foraging  parties  scoured  the  sur 
rounding  country  daily,  and  returned  at  night  loaded 
down  with  eatables  of  every  description.  What 
confederate  money  (of  which  we  had  an  abundance) 
would  not  buy,  was  "  confiscated."  These  expedi 
tions  were  greatly  enjoyed  by  those  participating  in 
them.  Roving  through  woods  and  fields,  from  one 
farm  house  to  another,  they  made  numerous  acquaint 
ances,  and  learned  everything  of  interest  pertaining 
to  the  locality. 

On  one  occasion  a  party  halted  at  an  obscure 
hovel  for  a  drink  of  water.  On  entering  we  found 
the  only  occupant  to  be  a  superannuated  negress,  who, 
as  she  expressed  it,  having  become  "  too  old  a  critter 
to  do  nothing,  had  been  turned  out  here  to  die." 

Further  conversation  disclosed  the  fact  that  she 
had  belonged  to  James  Ashby,  a  brother  of  the 


THE    ASHBY    FAMILY. 


deceased  famous  General  of  that  name.  She  related 
much  that  was  of  interest  concerning  the  Ashby 
family.  There  were  three  brothers  of  them — James, 
Turner  and  Richard  (commonly  known  as  Dick) — 
raised  in  the  vicinity  of  Front  Royal,  and  all  now  in 
their  graves.  James,  who  was  her  master,  moved  to 
this  vicinity  when  a  young  man,  acquired  a  large 
estate,  and  died  February,  1861.  Turner,  the  Gen 
eral,  wTho,  when  a  young  man,  was  admired  by  every 
one  for  his  manly  bearing,  and  in  later  years  for  his 
chivalric  deeds,  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Cross- 
Keys.  Dick,  the  remaining  and  youngest  brother, 
was  shot  in  a  skirmish,  just  prior  to  the  last  battle  of 
Bull  Run. 

After  the  death  of  her  master,  the  younger  slaves 
were  sent  South  and  sold.  "  Though  I  hab  raised," 
she  said,  "  nineteen  children  to  manhood  (eleven 
sons  among  the  number),  all  of  whom  hab  been  torn 
away  from  me,  and  hab  worked  hard  all  my  life  for 
massa,  his  heirs  wouldn't  let  me  stay  in  the  house, 
but  sent  me  here,  with  a  little  hog  and  hominy,  to  die 
alone."  Three  times  she  had  herself  hoed  the  little 
patch  of  corn  in  front  of  the  hut,  and  gathered  and 
husked  it.  On  our  inquiring  if  she  was  "  Union," 
she  replied,  "  I'se  partial  to  Yankees,  but  some  of 
dein  is  mighty  rogues.  Dem  ar  low  class  people 
among  dem  steal  all  my  things.  Two  came  along 
last  week  and  showed  me  twenty-five  cents  for  some 
hoe-cake,  which  I  gib  dem,  and  bless  you  child,  when 
dey  come  to  pay,  felt  in  all  de  pockets  and  couldn't 
find  de  money;  but,  God  bless  you  chil'ren,  dey 


227 

knew  all  de  time  where  it  was.  But  de  Southrons  are 
just  as  bad." 

She  recounted,  with  tears  in  her  eyes,  the  manner 
in  which  her  youngest  son  was  dragged  away. 
He  had  been  sick  for  some  time,  but  when  word 
came  that  the  Union  forces  were  advancing,  they 
tied  his  legs,  and  placing  him  in  a  cart,  drove  off 
towards  Richmond ;  but  he  never  reached  there, 
having  died  in  the  streets  of  Olean.  We  left  "Aunt 
Sophie,''  more  convinced  than  ever  that  the  cruelties 
and  wrongs  which  growr  out  of  slavery  have  not 
been  overdrawn. 


228  COMPLETION    OF    THE    KATLROAD. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Completion  of  the  Potomac  Creek  Bridge. — An  interesting  relic 
of  Virginia  Aristocracy. — General  Burnside  determines  to  cross 
the  river. — March  of  the  Sixth  Corps. — White-Oak  Church. 

DURING  the  first  few  days  the  rations  were  drawn 
from  Acquia  Landing  with  teams,  but  heavy  rains 
coining  on,  the  wheeling  became  terrible.  Pioneers 
were  accordingly  set  to  work  building  corduroy  roads, 
and  in  a  week's  time  constructed  seven  miles  of  them. 

On  the  28th  the  bridge  over  the  Potomac  Creek, 
ninety  feet  in  length,  was  completed,  and  the  cars 
immediately  commenced  running,  bringing  up  plenty 
of  supplies  of  every  description.  This  structure,  in 
addition  to  numerous  other  works,  had  been  de 
stroyed  during  the  preceding  August,  when  General 
Burnside  abandoned  the  region.  They  had  now  all 
to  be  rebuilt. 

The  time  passed  here  much  in  the  same  manner 
as  in  Maryland,  the  Regiment  being  employed  on 
picket  duty,  slashing  timber,  &c.,  &c.  Occasion 
ally  the  officers  rode  over  to  the  front,  and  viewed 
General  Headquarters,  Frederick sburg,  and  the 
river  scenery,  which  is  very  attractive.  Our  own 
and  the  rebel  pickets  were  scattered  along  the 
banks  of  the  Rappahannock,  almost  within  speak- 


CONVERSATION    BETWEEN    THE    PICKETS.  229 

ing  distance  of  each   other,    and  frequently  indul 
ged   in   conversation.     "  You   have   lost  your  best 
man,"  shouted  out  a  grey-back,  one  afternoon;  "Burn- 
side  is    played  out.      We  don't   care  a  —       -  for 
him."      A  Ninth  New  Hampshire  boy  replied  by 
asking  him  where  they  had  stolen  their  blue  over 
coats.    "We   took  them   off  the   dead  Yankees   at 
Antietam.      Why  didn't  you   take   ours?"      "Be 
cause  they  walked  off  so  fast,"  was  the  ready  reply. 
Another  wanted  to  know  if  we  had  any  Bull  Run 
boys  with  us.    "  Have  you  any  South  Mountain  or 
Antietam  boys   with   you?"     retorted   one   of   our 
pickets.     These  interviews,  which  generally  partook 
of  a  profane  character,  were  afterwards  forbidden. 
The  enemy  continued  to  augment  their  forces  daily, 
throwing  up  new   earth-works  every  night  to  the 
right  or  left   of  the   city.     Their   operations   were 
plainly  visible  from  the  balloon  and  signal  stations. 
Nearly   opposite  the  road   to   the   camp   of  the 
Thirty-third  was  an  interesting  relic  of  the  old-time 
Aristocracy,  concerning  which  the  present  race  ofi 
Virginians  boast   so   much,   and   possess   so   little.* 
Standing  remote  and  alone  in  the  centre  of  a  dense 
wood,  was  an  antiquated  house  of  worship,  remind 
ing  one  of  the  old  heathen  temples  hidden  in  the 
recesses  of  some  deep  forest,  whither  the  followers 
after  unknown  gods  were  wont  to  repair  for  worship, 
or  to  consult  the  oracles.     On  every  side  are  venera 
ble  trees,  overtowering  its  not  unpretentious  steeple. 
The  structure  is  built  of  brick  (probably  brought 
from  England),  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  semi-gothie, 
11 


230  AN    INTERESTING    RELIC. 

with  entrances  on  three  sides,  and  was  erected  in 
the  year  1794.  On  entering,  the  first  object  which 
attracts  the  attention,  is  the  variously  carved  pulpit, 
about  twenty-five  feet  from  the  floor,  with  a  winding 
stair-case  leading  to  it.  Beneath  are  seats  for  the 
attendants,  who,  in  accordance  with  the  custom  of 
the  old  English  Episcopacy,  waited  upon  the 
rector.  The  floor  is  of  stone,  a  large  cross  of 
granite  lying  in  the  centre,  where  the  broad  aisles 
intersect.  To  the  left  of  this  is  a  square  enclosure 
for  the  vestrymen,  whose  names  are  written  on  the 
north  wall  of  the  building.  The  reader,  if  ac 
quainted  with  Virginia  pedigrees,  will  recognize  in 
them  some  of  the  oldest,  and  most  honored  names  of 
the  State — Thomas  Fitzhugh,  John  Lee,  Peter  Hodg- 
man,  Moor  Doniphan,  John  Mercer,  Henry  Tyler, 
William  Mountjoy,  John  Fitzhugh,  and  John 
Peyton.  On  the  south  wall  are  four  large  tablets, 
containing  Scriptural  quotations.  Directly  beneath 
is  a  broad  flag-stone,  on  which  is  engraved,  with 
letters  of  gold:  "In  memory  of  the  House  of 
Moncure."  This  smacks  of  royalty.  Parallel  to 
it  lies  a  tomb-stone,  "  Sacred  to  the  memory 
of  William  Robison,  the  fourth  son  of  IT.  and 
E.  Moncure,  of  Windsor  Forest;  born  the  27th  of 
January,  1806,  and  died  13th  of  April,  1828,  of  a 
pulmonary  disease  brought  on  by  exposure  to  the 
cold  climate  of  Philadelphia,  where  he  had  gone  to 
prepare  himself  for  the  practice  of  medicine.  Pos 
sessed  of  a  mind  strong  and  vigorous,  and  of  a 
firmness  of  spirit  a  stranger  to  fear,  he  died  mani- 


A    FALSE    ALARM,  231 

testing  that  nobleness  of  soul  which  characterized 
him  while  living,  the  brightest  promise  of  his 
parents,  and  the  fondest  hopes  of  their  afflicted 
family." 

Led,  doubtless,  by  the  expectation  of  discovering 
buried  valuables,  some  one  had  removed  the  stone 
from  its  original  position,  and  excavated  the  earth 
beneath.  Close  by  the  entrance  on  the  north  side, 
are  three  enclosed  graves,  where  sleep  those  of 
another  generation.  The  brown,  moss-covered  tomb 
stones  appear  in  strong  contrast  to  a  plain  pine 
board  at  the  head  of  a  fresh  made  grave  alongside, 
and  bearing  the  inscription :  "  Henry  Easier,  Co. 
H,  118th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers." 

One  evening  considerable  alarm  was  occasioned 
by  the  appearance  of  numerous  camp  fires  in  the 
rear,  the  supposition  being  that  the  enemy  had 
turned  the  right  of  our  lines,  and  were  pushing  for 
Acquia  Landing.  Inquiry,  however,  soon  ascer 
tained  that  they  proceeded  from  General  Sickles' 
Division,  which  was  on  the  march  from  the  vicinity 
of  Fairfax  to  join  the  Second  Corps. 

Nearly  four  weeks  had  now  elapsed  since  the 
army  arrived  at  the  new  base  of  operations.  The 
rainy  season  was  approaching,  and  whatever  was 
done,  must  be  done  quickly.  Owing  to  the  difficulty 
our  scouts  and  spies  experienced  in  crossing  the 
river,  but  very  little  reliable  information  could  be 
obtained  of  the  enemy's  forces.  They  were  vari 
ously  estimated  at  from  sixty  to  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  thousand  men.  A  long  extended  line  of 


232         PLANS    FOR   CROSSING    THE    RAPPAHANNOCK. 

fortifications  appeared  on  the  first  crest  of  hills,  but 
whether  these  constituted  their  only  earthworks, 
or  a  new  Torres  Vedras  existed  beyond,  was  a  mat 
ter  of  uncertainty. 

It  was,  however,  definitely  ascertained  that  Jack 
son  had  arrived  from  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  and 
that  Lee  had  posted  his  troops  up  and  down  the 
river  for  a  distance  of  twenty  miles,  to  obstruct  our 
crossing. 

After  consulting  with  his  Division  and  Corps 
Commanders,  General  Burnside  decided  upon  throw 
ing  his  entire  army  across  at  some  given  point,  and 
hurling  it  quickly  upon  the  necessarily  weak  line, 
pierce,  and  break  it,  before  the  rebel  General  could 
concentrate  his  forces.  Skinner's  Neck,  about 
twelve  miles  below  the  city,  was  the  point  first 
chosen  for  crossing.  But  he  afterwards  decided  to 
cross  at  Fredericksburg,  because,  as  he  has  since 
informed  us,  he  "felt  satisfied  that  they  did  not  expect 
us  to  cross  here,  but  down  below.  In  the  next 
place,  I  felt  satisfied  that  this  was  the  place  to  fight 
the  most  decisive  battle  ;  because,  if  we  could  divide 
their  forces  by  piercing  their  lines  at  one  or  two 
points,  separating  their  left  from  their  right,  then  a 
vigorous  attack  by  the  whole  army  would  succeed  in 
breaking  their  army  in  pieces.  The  enemy  had  cut 
a  road  along  the  rear  of  the  line  of  heights,  by 
means  of  which  they  connected  the  two  wings  of 
their  army,  and  avoided  a  long  detour  around, 
through  a  bad  country.  I  wanted  to  get  possession 
of  that  road." 


MARCHING    ORDERS    RECEIVED.  233 

As  an  initiatory  step  to  active  operations,  he  com 
menced  a  series  of  feints  down  the  river  as  far  as 
Port  Conway,  twenty  miles  below.  Among  other 
ruses,  a  long  train  of  empty  wagons  was  sent  down 
the  river  road,  in  plain  view  of  the  enemy,  and 
returned  by  an  obscure  route.  Wednesday  evening, 
December  3rd,  the  Left  Grand  Division  received 
marching  orders,  with  instructions  to  proceed  in  a 
southerly  course,  as  if  intending  to  strike  and  cross 
the  river  several  miles  below  Fredericksburg. 

Colonel  Taylor  had  just  moved  his  command  to  a 
new  spot,  higher  up  the  side  of  the  woody  crest  on 
which  it  was  encamped,  and  the  men  were  busily 
employed  in  erecting  log-huts  when  the  orders  came. 
Instead,  however,  of  occasioning  any  dissatisfaction, 
they  were  received  with  joy,  and  the  men  began, 
with  alacrity,  preparations  for  resuming  the  "  on  to 
Richmond."  Strange  as  it  may  seem,  soldiers  dread 
the  privations  and  dangers  of  an  active  campaign 
less  than  the  idleness  and  ennui  of  camp ;  and, 
contrary  as  it  may  be  to  the  opinion  generally 
entertained,  there  is  much  less  sickness  on  the  march 
than  when  the  troops  are  encamped.  The  excite 
ment  consequent  upon  seeing  new  sights,  and  par 
ticipating  in  new  scenes,  dispels  those  camp  ills,  real 
or  imaginary,  so  common  among  soldiers  during 
a  period  of  inactivity. 

By  eleven  o'clock  the  next  morning,  everything 
was  got A  in  readiness,  and  the  Regiment  took  its 
place  in  the  advancing  column,  which  extended  for 
miles,  and  was  headed  by  Generals  Franklin  and 


234  WHITE-OAK    CHURCH. 

Smith.  Proceeding  about  eight  miles,  through 
Stafford  Village,  on  the  cross-road  intersecting 
the  Falrnonth  and  Acquia  Turnpike,  the  troops 
bivouacked  for  the  night  close  by  Potomac  Creek 
bridge. 

On  the  following  day  a  snow  storm  set  in,  which, 
together  with  the  rain,  imparted  a  decidedly  gloomy 
and  sombre  aspect  to  the  surroundings.  The  sol 
diers  protected  themselves  as  best  they  could  with 
their  frail  tents,  stirring  out  but  little.  The  march 
was  resumed  Saturday  morning  at  eight  o'clock,  an'd 
reaching  White-Oak  Church,  an  insignificant  build 
ing,  in  which  Stephen  A.  Douglass  delivered  an 
address  during  his  last  political  tour,  the  Corps 
turned  straight  to  the  left,  towards  Belle  Plain,  and 
proceeding  about  a  mile,  encamped  in  the  fields  and 
woods  adjoining  the  road.  Here  it  remained  until 
the  following  Thursday,  about  six  miles  from  Fred- 
ericksburg,  and  two  in  the  rear  of  Burnside's 
Headquarters.  The  Thirty-third  occupied  a  small 
grove,  together  with  the  20th,  49th,  77th  New 
York  and  7th  Maine.  The  First  Corps  soon  after 
came  up  and  took  position  near  the  Sixth.  Ya- 
rious  inquiries  concerning  the  roads  and  distances 
to  Port  Conway  were  made  of  the  inhabitants,  who, 
with  hardly  an  exception,  were  rebels,  in  order  to 
create  the  impression  that  we  were  going  to  move 
down  the  river.  This,  together  with  other  similar 
ruses,  succeeded  admirably,  for,  as  we  afterwards 
learned,  General  Lee  sent  down  the  whole  of  Jack 
son's  force  to  Port  Royal,  opposite  Port  Conway, 
to  resist  our  crossing. 


ARRIVAL  OF  MOBE  PONTOONS.        235 

Meanwhile  preparations  were  actively  going  on  in 
front.  Additional  pontoons  had  been  brought  from 
Washington,  and  the  Engineers'  Brigade  made  ready 
their  trains.  The  Second,  Third,  Fifth  and  Ninth 
Corps,  composing  the  right  and  centre  Grand  Divi 
sions,  were  placed  under  marching  orders,  though  not 
moving  from  their  camps. 


LAYING   BRIDGES    OVER   THE    BIVEB. 


CHAPTEK  XXYI. 

laying  of  the  Bridges. —  A  solemn  scene. —  Bombardment  of 
Fredericksburg. —  Gallantry  of  the  Seventh  Michigan  and  other 
Regiments. —  Crossing  of  the  left  Grand  Division. 

T  length  everything  was  in 
readiness,  and  during  Wed 
nesday  evening,  December 
llth,  the  advance  move 
ment  was  begun.  All  night 
long,  the  rumbling  of  artil 
lery  could  be  heard,  as 
numerous  batteries  moved 
to  the  Rappahannock  and 
were  planted  along  the 
bank.  One  after  another,  the  long,  phantom-like 
(pontoons  descended  the  hill-sides,  and  were  un 
loaded  near  the  points  designated  for  crossings. 
Four  bridges  were  to  be  thrown,  the  first  a  few 
yards  above  the  Lacey  House,  which  fronts  the 
main  street  of  the  city,  the  second  several  hundred 
yards  below,  and  the  third  and  fourth  about  a  mile 
still  further  down  the  river.  The  right  and  centre 
Grand  Divisions  were  to  cross  on  the  first  two,  and 
the  left  on  the  remaining  two.  General  Burnside 


A    SOLEMN    SCENE.  237 

designed  to  have  all  the  artillery  in  position  by 
eleven  o'clock,  the  pontoons  thrown  by  two  A.  M., 
and  a  large  force  across  by  sunrise.  Owing,  how 
ever,  to  numerous  delays,  none  of  the  boats  were 
launched  before  four  o'clock. 

The  writer  stood  at  the  upper  crossing.  It  was  a 
most  solemn  scene,  those  brave  Engineers  (50th 
New  York)  pushing  their  pontoons  out  upon  the 
ice,  and  fearlessly  moving  them  around  in  the  water, 
to  their  proper  positions.  Any  moment  might  ter 
minate  their  existence.  They  were  upon  the  very 
threshold  of  eternity.  Pacing  along  the  opposite 
bank,  or  grouped  around  the  picket  fires,  were  to  be 
seen  the  rebel  sentinels,  almost  within  pistol-shot. 
Occasionally  they  would  stop  a  moment  to  view  our 
operations,  then  resume  their  beat  as  unconcernedly 
as  if  nothing  unusual  was  transpiring.  The  bridge 
was  headed  directly  for  one  of  their  fires. 

Nearly  one  quarter  of  it  was  completed  without 
interruption,  when,  suddenly,  as  the  Court  House 
clock  struck  five,  two  signal  guns  boomed  away  in 
the  distance,  and  were  immediatedly  followed  by  a 
sharp  volley  of  musketry.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Bull, 
two  captains  and  several  men  fell  dead ;  others  tum 
bled  headlong  into  the  water  and  sank  to  the  bottom, 
or  were  rescued  by  their  brave  comrades  and  brought 
bleeding  and  dripping  to  the  shore.  We  were  not 
unprepared  for  this.  Before  the  enemy  had  time  to 
re-load,  our  artillery  planted  on  the  bluffs  overhead, 
and  infantry  drawn  up  along  the  river's  bank, 
returned  a  heavy  fire  upon  the  buildings  in  which 
the  sharpshooters  were  secreted. 
HA 


238  BOMBARDMENT    OF    FREDERICKSBURG. 

Boom,  boom,  went  the  cannon,  crack,  crack,  went 
the  rifle,  for  one  long  hour,  until  the  silence  of  the 
rebels  terminated  the  duel,  and  the  pontoniers  re 
sumed  operations.  But  they  had  hardly  reached  the 
outermost  boat,  and  turned  their  backs  to  place  an 
additional  one  in  position,  before  another  murderous 
fire  was  poured  in  upon  them,  and  the  fierce  duel 
was  renewed.  After  another  hour's  delay  firing 
ceased,  and  again  the  builders  stepped  forward,  but 
were  again  compelled  to  fall  back.  New  batteries 
now  opened  rapidly  upon  the  buildings,  but  failed  to 
dislodge  the  sharpshooters,  who,  crouching  down  in 
their  hiding  places,  fired  upon  the  pontoniers  as 
often  as  they  ventured  from  the  shore.  About  ten 
o'clock  General  Burnside  appeared  and  gave  the 
order,  "Concentrate  the  fire  of  all  your  guns  upon 
the  place,  and  batter  it  down."  One  hundred  and 
forty-three,  cannon  of  various  calibre,  from  10-pound 
Parrots  to  4:£-inch  siege  guns,  were  immediately 
trained  upon  the  doomed  city,  and  for  fifty  minutes 
rained  down  a  perfect  tempest  of  solid  shot,  shell  and 
canister.  Through  the  mist  and  dense  clouds  of 
smoke,  bright  fires  appeared  bursting  forth  in  differ 
ent  parts  of  the  town,  and  adding  to  the  terrible 
grandeur  of  the  spectacle. 

When  the  cannonading  ceased  and  the  smoke 
cleared  away,  the  destructiveness  of  our  fire  was  ap 
parent.  Whole  rows  of  buildings  along  the  river 
side  were  rent  and  riven,  as  if  by  the  thunderbolts 
of  heaven — roofs  gone,  doors  and  windows  smashed 
to  atoms,  and  great  hideous  gaps  through  the  walls ; 


A    BRILLIANT   COUP-DE-MAIN. 


239 


shade  trees  shorn  of  their  limbs  or  twisted  from  their 
trunks ;  fences  stripped  of  their  pickets  by  canister, 
or  lying  flat  on  the  ground;  streets  furrowed  with 
solid  shot,  and  strewn  with  household  effects ;  ele 
gant  up-town  residences  in  flames  ;  we  had  literally 
swept  the  city  with  the  besom  of  destruction. 

It  did  not  seem  possible  that  any  animate  thing 
could  have  survived  this  bombardment ;  and  there 
were  in  fact  no  signs  of  life  visible ;  but  110  sooner 
had  the  engineers  again  resumed  operations,  than 
they  were  greeted  with  a  fresh  shower  of  bullets. 
How  the  sharpshooters  had  managed  to  live  through 
all  that  fire  and  smoke,  was  to  us  almost  a  miracle. 
Yet  they  were  alive,  and  as  plucky  as  ever,  and 
our  gunners  returned  to  their  work. 

General  Burnside  now  almost  despaired  of  effect 
ing  a  crossing.  Nothing  but  some  brilliant  coup- 
de-main  would  accomplish  it.  He  accordingly 
decided  upon  sending  a  body  of  men  over  in  boats, 
who  should  rush  suddenly  upon  the  concealed  foe, 
and  hunt  them  from  their  holes.  The  Seventh 
Michigan  and  Nineteenth  Massachusetts  were  desig 
nated  for  this  purpose.  The  gallant  fellows  never 
flinched  from  the  duty  assigned  them,  but  taking 
their  places  in  the  pontoons,  piislied  bravely  out  into 
the  stream,  regardless  of  the  rapid  volleys  of  mus 
ketry  which  were  poured  into  them.  In  a  moment 
they  had  gained  the  opposite  shore,  and  fearlessly 
sweeping  up  the  bank,  dashed  into  the  houses,  and 
shot,  bayoneted  or  captured  the  small  force  which 
had  occasioned  us  so  much  trouble  and  delay.  A 


24-0  CAPTURE    OF    PRISONERS. 

hundred  dark,  swarthy  Alabamians  and  Mississippi- 
ans  were  brought  back,  amidst  the  wildest  cheers  of 
the  spectators  who  had  witnessed  the  heroic  act. 

Fredericksburg  was  now  ours,  and  no  further 
trouble  was  experienced  in  laying  the  bridge.  The 
second  was  completed  in  a  similar  manner;  about 
ninety  men  belonging  to  Colonel  Fairchild's  New 
York  Regiment  being  taken  over  in  boats,  and 
returning  with  110  rebels.  Owing  to  the  fact  of 
there  being  no  buildings  to  screen  them,  the  enemy 
could  offer  but  little  resistance  to  the  engineers  at  the 
lower  crossings,  and  they  were  completed  much 
earlier  in  the  day. 

The  pontoons  now  being  thrown,  the  right  and 
centre  Grand  Divisions  moved  down  in  columns  to 
cross,  halting  around  Falmouth  Station.  The  left, 
which  had  marched  from  White-Oak  Church  early 
in  the  morning,  was  massed  during  the  day  on 
the  plain  below.  For  some  reason,  General  Burn- 
side  decided  to  cross  but  a  small  force  that  night, 
and  the  Sixth  Corps  drew  back  from  the  plain,  and 
bivouacked  in  the  adjoining  woods.  Leaving  the 
vast  army— 

"A  multitude  like  which  the  populous  North 
Poured  never  from  its  frozen  loins" — 

sleeping  along  the  banks  of  the  river-  and  in  the 
groves  beyond,  let  us  briefly  survey  the  scene  of  its 
operations  during  the  four  days  which  followed. 

Directly  in  the  rear  of  Fredericksburg  is  a  plain, 
about  one  quarter  of  a  mile  wide,  extending  back  to 
a  low  range  of  hills,  along  the  crest  of  which  was 


SCENE   OF   OPERATIONS.  241 

the  enemy's  first  line  of  works.  At  the  foot  of  and 
running  parallel  with  this  range,  is  a  massive  stone 
wall,  behind  which  infantry  were  posted.  In  the 
rear  of  the  first  is  another  and  much  higher  chain  of 
hills,  extending  down  the  river  for  several  miles. 
Along  the  top  of  these  woody  heights  ran  the  road, 
referred  to  by  General  Burnside,  connecting  the  rebel 
right  with  the  rebel  left,  which  rested  immediately 
back  of  the  city. 

Crossing  Hazel  Creek,  a  small  stream  skirting  the 
lower  part  of  the  place  and  emptying  into  the 
Rappahannock,  the  ground  becomes  very  level, 
stretching  out  into  a  broad  plateau,  and  traversed 
by  the  Bowling  Green  turnpike,  running  half  a 
mile  back  from  the  river,  and  the  Fredericksburg 
and  Richmond  railroad  still  further  back.  The 
Bernard  House  was  located  on  the  bank,  about  one 
mile  and  a  half  below  the  city.  Three-fourths  of  a 
mile  lower  down,  the  Massaponax  Creek  flows  into 
the  Rappahannock.  This  plain,  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Hazel  Creek,  east  by  the  Rappahannock, 
west  by  a  chain  of  hills,  and  south  by  the  Massa 
ponax,  was  the  theatre  of  General  Franklin's  opera 
tions.  While  he  advanced  and  occupied  some 
point  in  these  hills,  Sumner  and  Hooker  were  to 
storm  the  batteries  in  the  rear  of  Fredericksburg. 
Our  narrative  will  be  confined  mainly  to  the  left 
Grand  Division. 

Long  before  daylight  Friday  morning,  it  com 
menced  crossing,  and  by  ten  o'clock  was  all  over. 
As  fast  as  the  various  commands  reached  the 


242  SKIRMISHING    AND    ARTILLERY    FIRING. 

opposite  shore,  they  debouched  upon  the  plain, 
spreading  out  like  a  fan,  prepared  to  sweep  down  the 
enemy  before  them.  The  Thirty-third  passed  over 
the  bridge  about  7-J-  o'clock.  An  hour  and  a  half 
later  the  Sixth  Corps  was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle, 
facing  to  the  west.  The  First  Corps  joined  on  further 
to  the  left.  Skirmishers  were  deployed,  and  feeling 
their  way  cautiously  forward,  encountered  those  of 
the  enemy  near  the  Bowling  Green  road.  The 
first  man  wounded  was  John  S.  Havens,  of  Com 
pany  II,  Thirty-third,  which  was  in  the  front.  After 
a  few  moments  the  rebels  fell  back,  leaving. us  in 
possession  of  the  road.  Owing  to  the  dense  fog 
which  prevailed,  it  was  deemed  best  not  to  fight 
the  battle  that  day,  and  our  troops  moved  no  further 
forward.  About  2J  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  ene 
my  opened  some  masked  guns  from  the  heights 
on  our  batteries  facing  in  that  direction,  which, 
immediately  limbering  up,  moved  several  yards  fur 
ther  to  the  front  and  returned  the  fire.  The  artillery 
duel  was  kept  up  for  some  time,  resulting  in  but 
little  loss  to  us. 

General  Burnside  rode  down  from  the  right  at 
sunset,  and  was  received  with  vociferous  cheering  by 
the  Regiments  as  he  galloped  rapidly  by.  Officers 
and  men  had  alike  admired  the  courage  which  led 
him  to  boldly  cross  the'river  and  endeavor  to  clear  up 
the  mystery  which  enshrouded  the  enemy ;  and  now 
that  the  rebels  had  apparently  retreated,  leaving 
a  mere  shell  of  an  army  to  oppose  us,  their  admira 
tion  for  their  chief  knew  no  bounds. 


THE    ENEMY    FOUND    IN    FORCE. 


243 


CHAPTEK  XXYII. 
BATTLE    OF    FRED  ERI  CKSBURG-, 

FOUGHT  SATURDAY,  DECEMBER  13TH. 

FRANKLIN'S  troops  slept  upon  their  arms  that  night, 
little  dreaming  of  the  fierce  conflict  of  the  morrow.  At 
an  early  hour  Saturday  morning,  it  became  evident 
that  the  enemy,  instead  of  having  fallen  back,  were 


Battle-field  of  the  Left  Grand  Division. 


concentrating  their  forces,  with  the  design  of  giving 
us  battle.  The  sun  rose  clear  in  the  heavens,  though 
the  mist  and  fog  of  a  late  Indian  summer  enveloped 


244  ADVANCE   OF   THE    SKIRMISH    LINE. 

the  plain.  The  air  was  mild  and  balmy  as  on  a  Sep 
tember  day,  and  the  fifty  thousand  men  whom  the 
reveille  woke  from  their  slumbers  began  to  prepare 
for  action,  and  were  soon  marshalled  in  "  battle's 
magnificently  stern  array." 

They  were  arranged  as  follows :  The  Sixth  Corps, 
under  General  Smith,  on  the  right,  composed  of  three 
Divisions,  viz  :  General  Newton's  on  the  extreme  right 
and  rear,  resting  near  the  bridges  ;  General  Brooks' 
in  the  centre,  and  General  Howe's  on  the  left.  The 
First  Army  Corps,  General  Reynolds,  extended  still 
further  to  the  left,  drawn  up  in  the  following  order : 
General  Gibbon's  Division  on  the  right,  connecting 
with  General  Howe's ;  General  Meade's,  centre ;  and 
General  Doubleday's,  left,  facing  to  the  southward, 
and  resting  nearly  on  the  river.  The  Thirty-third 
was  posted  in  the  first  of  the  three  lines  of  battle,  to 
support  a  battery.  General  Jackson  commanded 
the  rebels  in  front  of  us.  At  an  early  hour  the 
Thirteenth  Massachusetts  and  Pennsylvania  Buck- 
tails,  among  other  Regiments,  were  deployed  in  front, 
as  skirmishers,  between  whom  and  the  enemy's 
skirmishers  considerable  firing  ensued.  General 
Vinton,  now  commander  of  the  Brigade,  venturing 
too  far  in  front,  was  shot  through  the  groin,  and  con 
veyed  back  to  the  Bernard  House,  which  had  been 
appropriated  for  the  Division  Hospital.  Col.  Taylor 
took  command  until  the  arrival  of  Gen.  Neill,  former 
ly  of  the  Twenty-third  Pennsylvania.  As  soon  as  the 
heavy  mist  cleared  away,  Capt.  Hall's  Second  Maine 
Battery,  planted  at  the  right  of  Gibbon's  Division, 


GALLANT   CHARGE   BY    MEADE.  245 

opened  upon  the  enemy.  Artillery  firing  now  became 
general  along  the  whole  line.  Heavy  siege  guns  in 
our  rear,  the  First  Maryland  and  First  Massachusetts 
Batteries,  and  Battery  D,  Fifth  Artillery,  on  the  right; 
Captain  Ransom's  and  Captain  Walker's  in  front, 
and  Harris'  Independent  on  the  left,  kept  up  a 
terrific  fire  on  the  rebels.  Orders  now  came  to 
advance,  and  about  nine  o'clock,  Gibbon's  and 
Meade's  Divisions  commenced  moving  slowly  for 
ward,  thereby  almost  straightening  our  lines,  which 
were  previously  arranged  somewhat  in  the  form  of  a 
crescent.  Considerable  resistance  was  met  with,  but 
the  forces  continued  to  move  forward,  until  at  mid 
day  the  line  of  battle  was  half  a  mile  in  advance 
of  where  it  had  been  in  the  morning. 

But  now  came  the  reserve  fire  of  the  enemy,  with 
terrific  force.  Shot  and  shell  were  poured  into  our 
men  from  all  along  the  heights,  which,  curving  around 
in  the  shape  of  a  horse-shoe,  exposed  them  to  an 
enfilading  fire.  The  rebel  infantry  likewise  appeared, 
and  fired  rapidly.  Still  Meade  and  Gibbon  contin 
ued  to  press  on,  and  as  the  enemy  gave  way,  cheer 
after  cheer  rent  the  air  from  our  troops.  General 
Meade  now  led  his  Division  on  a  charge,  and  press 
ing  on  the  edge  of  the  crest,  skilfully  penetrated  an 
opening  in  the  enemy's  lines  and  captured  several 
hundred  prisoners,  belonging  to  the  Sixty-first  Georgia 
and  Thirty-first  North  Carolina  Regiments.  Owing, 
however,  to  the  lack  of  reinforcements,  he  was 
eventually  compelled  to  fall  back.  While  the  fight 
was  progressing  at  this  point,  Jackson  sent  down  a 


246  A   TEMPORARY    LULI,. 

heavy  column,  near  the  Massaponax,  to  turn  our 
left,  but  it  was  handsomely  repulsed  and  driven 
back  by  Doubleday. 

Yery  heavy  firing  now  raged  along  the  line. 
Dense  clouds  of  smoke  hid  friend  and  foe  from  view, 
and  the  heavy  roar  of  artillery  and  musketry  shook 
the  ground  as  with  an  earthquake.  The  bloody  carni 
val  was  at  its  height,  "  and  wild  uproar  and  desolation 
reigned"  supreme.  Mortals  could  not  long  endure 
such  a  conflict,  and  after  forty  minutes'  duration,  it 
was  followed  by  a  temporary  lull,  the  combatants 
resting  from  their  labors  through  sheer  exhaustion. 
The  rising  smoke  disclosed  the  field  strewn  with  the 
dead  and  wounded,  lying  thick  as  autumnal  leaves. 
The  lull,  however,  was  of  short  duration.  Again 
"stiffening  the  sinews  and  summoning  up  the 
blood,"  the  warriors  rushed  forward  over  the  man 
gled  forms  of  their  comrades,  and  the  conflict  raged 
with  fury.  One  of  Gibbon's  Brigades,  gallantly 
charging  over  the  plain,  dashed  right  up  to  the 
mouths  of  the  frowning  cannon,  and  storming  the 
enemy's  breastworks,  captured  two  hundred  pris 
oners.  Once  more  the  air  resounded  with  cheers, 
cheers  which,  alas !  were  many  a  noble  fellow's  death- 
cry.  But  unable  to  withstand  the  galling  fire,  the 
troops,  like  those  of  Meade  before  them,  were 
compelled  to  relinquish  their  hold  on  the  crest,  and 
fall  back,  with  decimated  ranks. 

Reinforcements  now  arrived,  consisting  of  Sickles' 
and  Birney's  Divisions  from  Hooker's  command,  and 
were  sent  to  the  support  of  Meade.  Newton's 


GENERAL   BAYARD   KILLED.  247 

Division  was  also  transferred  from  the  extreme  right 
of  the  line  to  the  right  of  the  First  Corps,  and  became 
engaged.  General  Franklin  was  seated,  most  of  the 
time,  in  a  little  grove,  which  he  had  made  his  tem 
porary  headquarters,  watching  the  progress  of  the 
battle,  and  delivering  orders  to  the  Aid-de-Camps, 
who  were  constantly  arriving  and  departing.  Occa 
sionally  mounting  his  horse,  he  rode  up  and  down  the 
lines,  regardless  of  the  missiles  of  death,  anxiously 
peering  in  the  direction  of  the  woody  crest,  to 
discover  if  possible  some  weak  spot  in  the  enemy's 
lines.  Generals  Smith  and  Reynolds  were  with  him 
frequently. 

About  one  o'clock,  the  young  and  gallant  General 
Bayard,  of  the  cavalry,  was  fatally  wounded.  He 
had  just  seated  himself  under  a  tree  by  General 
Franklin,  when  a  ball  striking  a  few  yards  in  front, 
ricocheted,  and  passed  through  his  thigh,  inflicting 
a  fearful  wound.  He  was  immediately  conveyed 
to  the  hospital,  and  died  a  few  hours  afterwards. 
As  he  was  lying  on  the  couch,  the  Chaplain  of  the 
Harris  Light  Cavalry  approached,  and  inquiring  if 
he  desired  him  to  write  anything  for  him,  "By-and- 
by,"  he  replied.  Then  turning  to  Surgeon  Hackley, 
he  asked  if  he  should  be  able  to  live  forty-eight  hours. 
A  negative  answer  being  given,  he  further  inquired 
if  he  should  die  easy.  He  was  to  have  been  married 
in  a  few  days. 

Meanwhile  Generals  Howe's  and  Brooks'  Divisions 
were  exposed  to  an  enfilading  fire  from  the  enemy's 
artillery.  The  Thirty-third  still  supported  a  battery. 


248  EXPLOSION    OF   A    SIXTY-FOUR-POUNDER. 

Instead  of  being  posted  some  distance  to  the  rear, 
Colonel  Taylor  was  ordered  close  up  to  the  guns, 
and  the  men  lay  almost  beneath  the  caissons.  Shot 
and  shell  were  whizzing,  screaming,  crashing,  and 
moaning  all  around  them,  but  they  manfully  main 
tained  their  position,  receiving  the  fire  directed  upon 
the  artillerists.  Towards  noon  a  64-pounder  opened 
from  the  hill  directly  back  of  Fredericksburg.  The 
first  shell  struck  a  few  feet  in  front  of  the  Regiment. 

O  7 

the  second  fell  directly  in  their  midst,  plunging  into 
the  ground  to  the  depth  of  three  feet  or  more.  The 
enemy  had  obtained  £ most  perfect  range,  and 
would  have  inflicted  a  great  loss  of  life,  had  not  the 
monster  gun,  very  fortunately  for  us,  exploded 
on  the  third  discharge.  The  guns  which  the  Thirty- 
third  supported  were  repeatedly  hit  by  the  enemy, 
whose  batteries  could  be  distinctly  seen  glistening  in 
the  edge  of  the  woods  a  mile  distant. 

One  round  shot  struck  the  wheel  of  a  caisson, 
smashing  it  to  atoms,  and  prostrating  the  "  powder 
boy,"  who  was  taking  ammunition  from  it  at  the  time. 
Had  the  missile  gone  ten  inches  further  to  the  left,  it 
must  have  exploded  the  caisson  and  caused  fearful 
havoc  among  the  Thirty-third.  Here  Colonel  Tay 
lor  lay  with  his  men,  for  many  long  hours,  exposed 
to  the  fury  of  the  rebel  cannoniers,  without  shelter  or 
protection  of  any  kind,  until  the  after  part  of  the 
day,  when  they  were  relieved  by  the  Forty-third  New 
York,  Col.  13;  ker,  and  fell  back  to  the  second  line  of 
battle.  Towards  evening,  a  Brigade  of  the  enemy 
charged  down  from  the  crest  upon  one  of  our 


FIGHTING    ON    THE    RIGHT.  249 

batteries  (Martin's),  yelling  and  cheering,  as  they 
came  on  the  double  quick.  Slowly  the  Second  and 
Fourth  Vermont,  which  were  in  the  skirmish  line, 
fell  back,  until  the  enemy  had  advanced  well  on 
towards  the  guns,  when  a  most  sweeping  cross  tire 
was  poured  upon  them.  At  the  same  time,  the  Third 
Vermont,  concealed  in  a  ravine  close  by,  rose  to 
their  feet,  delivering  volley  after  volley,  and  they 
were  sent  back,  broken,  disorganized  and  howling  to 
the  thickets. 

And  so  the  dark  masses  of  men  swayed  to  and 
fro  through  the  livelong  day,  neither  side  gaining 
any  material  advantage.  Nor  did  the  going  down  of 
the  sun  end  the  struggle.  After  the  evening  shadows 
had  gathered  over  the  plain,  the  artillery  still  kept 
playing  upon  each  other,  though  probably  with  but 
little  effect.  About  half  past  eight,  the  last  gun  was 
fired,  and  the  shrieks  and  groans  of  the  sufferers 
alone  broke  upon  the  stillness  of  the  night. 

The  fighting  on  the  right,  at  Fredericksburg,  had 
been  still  less  successful.  Again  and  again  were  our 
forces  hurled  against  the  rebel  works,  only  to  be 
rolled  back  with  confusion  and  slaughter.  The 

O 

narrow  plain  previously  described,  over  which  they 
had  to  charge,  was  so  completely  commanded  by  the 
enemy's  guns,  as  to  render  every  foot  of  it  unten 
able.  The  last  assaulting  column  succeeded, 
however,  in  reaching  the  stone-wall  which  we  had 
all  day  attempted  to  gain  possession  of.  But  they 
had  no  sooner  commenced  clambering  up  the  green 
sides  of  the  bluff,  and  arrived  within  a  few  feet  of 


250    BURNSIDE    DETERMINED  TO    RENEW    THE    CONTEST. 

the  guns,  before  rebel  reinforcements  arrived  and 
drove  them  back  beyond  the  wall  and  over  the 
plain.  This  terminated  the  lighting  on  the  right. 

During  the  night  General  Burnside  summoned 
his  Division  Commanders  to  his  Headquarters,  and 
after  a  brief  consultation,  informed  them  of  his 
determination  to  renew  the  attack  in  the  rear  of  the 
city,  on  the  following  day.  His  plan  was  to  form 
his  old  Corps,  the  Ninth,  into  a  column  of  attack, 
by  Regiments.  He  thought  that  the  eighteen  or 
twenty  Regiments  of  which  it  was  composed,  by 
arriving  quickly,  one  after  another,  would  be  able  to 
carry  the  stone-wall  and  the  batteries  in  front,  and 
force  the  enemy  back  to  his  second  line  of  works. 

All  of  his  Generals  stoutly  opposed  the  project,  but 
still  believing  that  it  would  prove  successful,  he 
ordered  the  storming  columns  to  be  got  in  readiness. 
When,  however,  General  Simmer,  always  so  fond  of 
a  fight,  rode  up  to  him  on  the  following  day,  and 
said,  "General,  I  hope  you  will  desist  from  this 
attack ;  I  do  not  know  of  any  General  Officer  who 
approves  of  it,  and  I  think  it  will  prove  disastrous  to 
the  army,"  he  decided  upon  abandoning  it. 


HOW  A  DESERTER  ESCAPED.          251 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Events  succeeding  the  Battle. —  A  North  Carolina  Deserter. — 
The  Bernard  Estate.— Re-crossing  the  River.— The  Thirty- 
third  in  its  Old  Camp. —  Families  on  the  Picket  Line. —  A 
Courageous  Female. —  Changes  in  the  Regiment. 

THE  dawn  of  Sunday  found  the  left  Grand  Divi 
sion  arranged  in  much  the  same  order  of  the  day 
previous.  The  Thirty-third  still  held  the  position 
which  it  had  occupied  during  the  afternoon.  An 
attack  from  the  enemy  was  now  hourly  expected,  but 
they  made  no  demonstrations,  and  what  was  most 
inexplicable  to  Gen.  Franklin  and  every  one  else, 
failed  to  open  their  guns  planted  along  the  crest, 
and  completely  sweeping  every  part  of  the  plain. 
The  men  rested  on  their  arms,  and  the  day  was 
spent  in  removing  the  wounded  from  the  field. 

Collected  in  the  rear  of  the  Bernard  House  were 
several  of  the  prisoners,  who  were  addressed  by 
Chaplain  Lung  in  the  afternoon.  Prominent  among 
the  number  was  a  member  of  the  Fifty-fourth  Xorth 
Carolina,  mostly  composed  of  conscripted  Union 
men.  Finding  that  he  could  not  escape  to  the 
North,  or  avoid  being  impressed,  he  concluded  to 
accept  $1,200,  to  go  as  a  substitute,  and  desert  at  the 


252  THE   BERNARD   MANSION. 

first  favorable  opportunity.  He  was  caught  in  the 
act,  and  sent  to  Richmond  and  imprisoned.  On  the 
day  before  the  battle,  he  was  hurried  up  to  Fred- 
ericksburg,  with  several  others,  and  sent  to  the  front 
with  a  gun.  When  the  enemy  gave  way  before 
Meade's  charge,  he  remained  behind,  concealed  in 
the  bushes,  expecting  our  soldiers  would  come  up 
and  rescue  him.  The  charging  force  failing,  how 
ever,  to  follow  up  their  success,  he  was  seized  with 
the  most  intense  forebodings.  Knowing  full  well 
that  he  would  surely  be  shot,  if  thus  caught  in  the  act 
of  deserting  the  second  time,  in  a  moment  of 
frenzy,  he  whipped  out  his  jack-knife,  and  made 
two  perforations,  opposite  each  other,  in  his  left  leg, 
hoping  thereby  to  make  his  officers  think  that  he 
was  wounded,  and  on  this  account  lagged  in  the 
rear.  Pie  afterwards  fortunately  made  his  escape. 
The  wound  was  a  poor  apology  for  a  gun-shot  hole, 
though  it  might  have  passed  muster  with  the  rebel 
surgeons  if  he  had  been  taken,  and  thereby  saved  his 
life. 

The  Bernard  House,  since  destroyed  by  fire,  was 
a  large,  elegant  stone  mansion,  built  after  the  En 
glish  style,  and  fitted  up  in  a  princely  manner. 
The  spacious  apartments  were  furnished  with  velvet 
carpeting,  damask  curtains,  statuary,  and  paintings — 
everything  which  wealth  could  command.  Several 
large  libraries  of  choice  volumes  evinced  a  literary 
taste  on  the  part  of  the  occupants,  while  the  well 
stocked  larder,  and  spacious  wine-cellar,  testified  no 
less  to  their  epicurean  proclivities.  The  proprietor, 


SUCCESSFUL    RE-CROSSING   OF   THE   RIVER.         253 

A.  N.  Bernard,  a  corpulent  bachelor  of  the  genuine 
F.  F.  Y.  stamp,  was  arrested  when  our  forces  first 
crossed,  for  conveying  information  to  the  enemy. 
He  was,  however,  granted  the  freedom  of  his  house, 
and  wandered  about  from  one  room  to  another, 
almost  distracted  at  seeing  the  "  Yankees"  carrying 
away  his  furniture  and  books,  devouring  his  sweet 
meats,  and  drinking,  in  Union  toasts,  his  imported 
liquors.  He  had  sown  the  wind,  he  was  now  reap 
ing  the  whirlwind. 

Monday  passed  in  much  the  same  manner  as 
Sunday.  The  enemy  could  be  seen  erecting  new 
batteries  along  the  crest,  but  did  not  open  upon  us. 
Why  this  failure  to  shell  our  forces,  which  lay  for 
two  days  upon  the  open  plain,  exposed  to  the 
destructive  cross-fire  of  their  guns,  remains  a  mystery 
to  our  Generals  to  this  day.  They  probably  desist 
ed,  hoping  that  we  would  renew  the  attack,  or  were 
afraid  to  fire  upon  them,  lest,  infuriated  and 
exasperated,  our  troops  would,  as  a  dernier  resort, 
recklessly  charge  up  the  heights,  and  capture  their 
batteries,  at  whatever  cost. 

Monday  evening  the  retrograde  movement  across 
the  river,  which  had  several  hours  previously  been 
determined  upon,  commenced.  The  three  Grand 
Divisions  began  crossing  simultaneously.  A  light 
rain  and  a  heavy  wind  blowing  away  from  the  enemy, 
favored  the  perilous  movement,  and  it  was  conduct 
ed  in  safety.  A  more  masterly  retreat  from  before 
an  enemy  was  never  executed.  So  secretly  had  all 
the  preliminary  movements  been  conducted,  that 
12 


254  MAGNITUDE    OF   THE    BATTLE    FOUGHT. 

when  the  various  Regiments  were  quietly  ordered  to 
fall  in,  they  supposed  it  was  for  a  night  attack.  The 
Thirty-third  re-crossed  about  9  o'clock,  and  before 
morning  the  entire  army  was  over.  . 

Thus  terminated  the  first  battle  of  Fredericks- 
burg,  the  greatest  we  had  yet  fought,  and  surpassing 
in  magnitude  that  of  Waterloo.  General  Lee  had 
three  hundred  guns  in  position,  and  one  hundred 
thousand  men  (see  London  Times'  Correspondence); 
General  Burnside  nearly  the  same  number  of  guns, 
and  one  hundred  and  thirty  thousand  men;  whereas 
the  combined  forces  of  Napoleon  and  the  Duke  of 
Wellington  at  Waterloo,  before  the  arrival  of  Blu- 
cher,  amounted  to  only  one  hundred  and  fifty  thou 
sand  ;  two  hundred  and  forty  pieces  covering  the 
whole  amount  of  their  artillery. 

We  were  repulsed,  but  not  dispirited. 

"The  strife 
Was  not  inglorious,  though  the  event  was  dire." 

Such  brave,  heroic  fighting  as  the  Union  Soldiers 
performed  on  that  bloody  Saturday,  has  never  been 
surpassed,  and  will  ever  redound  to  the  glory  of  our 
arms.  For  nine  long  hours  they  stood  upon  an 
open  plain,  exposed  to  the  cross  fire  of  hundreds  of 
hostile  cannon,  unprotected  by  shelter  of  any  kind, 
and  fought  an  enemy  concealed  in  forests,  behind 
breastworks  and  in  rifle-pits.  Had  no  delays  occur 
red  at  the  outset,  the  assault  would  undoubtedly 
have  proved  successful,  but  after  the  enemy  had  had 
time  to  withdraw  all  their  forces  from  below  and 
mass  them  in  front,  defeat  was  a  foregone  conlusion. 


REBEL    OFFICERS    PUT   TO    FLIGHT.  255 

Officers  and  men  were  disposed  to  believe  that  the 
movement  had  been  peremptorily  ordered  from  Wash 
ington,  until  the  appearance  of  General  Burnside's 
frank  and  manly  letter,  assuming  the  entire  respon 
sibility.  From  that  time  forward,  the  army 
questioned  his  military  capacity,  but  could  not 
refrain  from  admiring  his  qualities  as  a  man. 

After  re-crossing  the  river,  the  Thirty- third 
bivouacked  in  the  dense  woods  near  by,  where  it 
remained  two  days.  Tuesday  morning,  a  squad  of 
rebel  officers  rode  down  over  the  battle-field  to  the 
Bernard  House.  This  brought  them  within  range  of 


our  guns  planted  on  Stafford  Heights,  and  Battery 
C,  Fifth  Eegulars,  immediately  dropped  a  shell 
among  them,  which  exploding,  killed  two,  and  sent 
the  others  fleeing  back  to  the  hills.  The  riderless 
horses  dashed  down  to  the  river,  and  were  shot 
by  our  men,  employed  in  digging  rifle-pits  on  this 
side. 


256  FAMILIES    ON    THE    PICKET    LINE. 

Friday,  December  19th,  the  left  Grand  Division 
moved  back  to  WJiite-OaJc  Church,  and  the  Thirty- 
third  re-occupied  the  camp  which  it  had  left  on  the 
Thursday  previous.  Once  more  the  men  applied 
themselves  to  the  labor  of  building  log-huts  and 
fitting  up  winter  quarters.  The  "Cabins'7  were 
arranged  in  long  rows  fronting  on  the  road,  and  pro 
tected  from  the  wind  by  the  grove  of  hemlocks. 
The  weather  continued  very  warm  and  pleasant,  and 
but  little  sickness  prevailed  in  the  Regiment.  Christ 
mas  was  devoted  to  mirth  and  hilarity,  the 
Colonel  giving  a  dinner  party  to  the  officers  at  his 
tent. 

Marching  orders  were  again  received  on  the  30th, 
but  were  almost  immediately  countermanded. 
General  Burnside  had  arranged  another  plan  of 
attack,  but  the  details  having  been  ferreted  out  by 
rebel  sympathizers  at  "Washington,  he  was  compelled 
to  relinquish  it.  The  Regiment  frequently  went  on 
picket,  and  as  a  general  thing  enjoyed  the  change. 
The  Fitzhughs,  Balls,  and  several  other  families  who 
lived  near  the  picket  line,  always  welcomed  the 
officers  and  men  to  their  houses.  Though  confessed 
rebels,  many  pleasant  hours  were  spent  in  the 
society  of  the  daughters,  whose  brothers  and  lovers 
were  absent  in  the  rebel  army.  There  was  in  fact 
hardly  a  corporal's  guard  of  young  men  left  between 
the  Potomac  and  Rappahannock,  so  effectually  had 
the  conscription  act  been  enforced. 

Among  other  maidens  who  were  accustomed  to 
entertain  the  Regiment,  was  the  betrothed  of 


COURAGE   OF   A   FEMALE.  257 

Geo.  B.  Davis,  a  nephew  of  Jeff.'s.  One  afternoon 
a  cavalryman,  after  vainly  ransacking  the  out-build 
ings  of  her  father's  plantation  for  corn,  approached 
the  door  in  which  the  young  lady  was  standing,  and 
insisted  that  some  of  the  grain,  "  which  he  knew  was 
concealed  in  the  house,  should  be  given  him."  "  We 
have  none,  was  the  reply."  "  Stand  aside  until  I  go  in 
and  see  for  myself,"  ha  rudely  retorted,  at  the  same 
time  whipping  out  of  its  sheath  a  heavy  Colt's 
Revolver.  No  sooner  done  than  the  fair  girl  planted 
herself  firmly  in  the  door  way,  drew  a  small 
repeater  from  her  bosom,  and  deliberately  aiming 
it  at  the  rascal's  head,  exclaimed,  "  Approach  one 
step  further  towards  this  house,  and  you  are  a  dead 
man."  Cowed  and  baffled  by  this  exhibition  of 
bravery,  the  trooper  turned  on  his  heel  and  left.  This 
incident  illustrates  the  coolness  and  courage  with 
which  some  of  the  Virginia  women  are  endowed. 

The  following  changes,  in  addition  to  those  already 
mentioned,  had  occurred  in  the  Regiment  up  to  this 
time. 

Captain  Theodore  Hamilton,  Co.  G,  promoted  to 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  62d  IS".  Y. 

Captain  G.  Murray  Guion,  Co.  A,  promoted  to 
Lieutenant-Colonel,  148th  K  Y. 

Captain  A.  H.  Drake  returned  to  duty  from 
Salisbury,  North  Carolina,  October  6th. 

Captain  H.  J.  White,  Co.  B,  resigned. 

Captain  James  M.  Letts,  Co.  I,  resigned. 

Adjutant  Charles  T.  Button  resigned. 

First  Lieutenant  H.  J.  Draime,  Co.  B,  promoted 
to  Captain  B. 


258  CHANGES   IN    THE    REGIMENT. 

First  Lieutenant  E.  J.  Tyler,  Co.  A,  promoted  to 
Captain  A. 

First  Lieutenant  John  W.  Corning,  Co.  B,  promo 
ted  to  Adjutant. 

First  Lieutenant  G.  A.  Gale,  Co.  G,  promoted  to 
Captain  G. 

First  Lieutenant  E.  E.  Root,  Co.  I,  promoted"  to 
Captain  I. 

John  Gummer,  Co.  E,  promoted  to  First  Lieu 
tenant  E. 

Charles  D.  Rossiter,  appointed  First  Lieutenant  D. 

Otis  Cole,  appointed  First  Lieutenant  II. 

First  Lieutenant  R.  C.  Niles,  Co.  II,  resigned. 

First  Lieutenant  H.  G.  King,  Co.  F,  resigned. 

Second  Lieutenant  G.  W.  Marshall,  Co.  G,  promo 
ted  to  First  Lieutenant  G. 

Second  Lieutenant  Ira  V.  Germain,  Co.  G, 
dismissed. 

Second  Lieutenant  Pryce  W.  Bailey,  Co.  A,  pro 
moted  to  First  Lieutenant  A. 

Second  Lieutenant  Jefferson  Bigelow,  Co.  D, 
resigned. 

Second  Lieutenant  J.  Marshall  Guion,  Co.  H, 
resigned. 

Second  Lieutenant  C.    II.  Howe,  Co.  I,  resigned. 

Second  Lieutenant  William  II.  Long,  Co.  I,  pro 
moted  to  First  Lieutenant  I,  and  since  on  Brennan's, 
Davidson's  and  NeilPs  Staffs  successively,  Assistant 
A.  G. 

Second  Lieutenant  L.  C.  Mix,  Co.  C,  promoted  to 
First  Lieutenant  B. 


CHANGES    IN    THE    REGIMKXT     CONTINQED.  259 

Second  Lieutenant  H.  H.  Hills,  Co.  F,  promoted 
to  First  Lieutenant  F. 

Second  Lieutenant  Walter  H.  Smith,  Co.  E, 
resigned. 

First  Sergeant  J.  F.  Winship,  Co.  F,  promoted  to 
Second  Lieutenant  F. 

First  Sergeant  G.  T.  Brennan,  Co.  I,  promoted  to 
Second  Lieutenant  I. 

First  Sergeant  J.  E.  Stebbins,  Co.  C,  promoted  to 
Second  Lieutenant  C,  vice  Mix,  promoted. 

First  Sergeant  Byron  F.  Craine,  Co.  D,  promoted 
to  Second  Lieutenant  G. 

First  Sergeant  T.  H.  Sibbalds,  Co.  A,  promoted  to 
Second  Lieutenant  A. 

First  Sergeant  C.  H.  H6we,  Co.  I,  promoted  to 
Second  Lieutenant  I. 

Sylvester  Porter,  Co.  H,  promoted  to  Second 
Lieutenant  II. 

W.  W.  Smith,  Co.  E,  appointed  Second  Lieu 
tenant  E. 

William  E.  Roach,  Co.  D,  appointed  Second 
Lieutenant  D. 

Orlando  Bacon  promoted  to  Sergeant-Major. 

John  W.  Alexander  promoted  to  Quartermaster- 
Sergeant. 

Corporal  J.  F.  Barker  promoted  to  Commissary- 
Sergeant. 

John  J.  Carter  promoted  from  Commissary-Ser 
geant  to  Second  Lieutenant  B. 


260   CHANGES  IN  THE  MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 
MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT. 

First  Surgeon  S.  Mulford,  resigned. 

First  Assistant  Surgeon  D'Estaing  Dickinson, 
promoted  to  full  Surgeon. 

Second  Assistant  Surgeon  Kichard  Curran,  promo 
ted  to  First  Assistant  Surgeon. 

Duncan  McLaclilen  appointed  Second  Assistant 
Surgeon. 

Edmund  De  Graff  appointed  Hospital  Steward. 


A  NEW  CAMPAIGN  FRUSTRATED  BY  THE  ELEMENTS.  261 


CHAPTEE  XXIX. 

Another  Advance. —  The  Army  stalled  in  mud. —  Removal  of  Gen 
eral  Burnside. —  General  Hooker  succeeds  him. —  Character  of 
the  two  men. — General  Franklin  relieved,  and  General  Smith 
transferred  to  the  9th  Army  Corps.  — His  Parting  Address. — 
Colonel  Taylor  assigned  to  a  Brigade. —  A  Contraband  Prayer 
Meeting. —  Sanitary  Condition  of  the  Army. 

THE  weather  continued  to  be  very  open  and  favor 
able  for  offensive  operations,  and  accordingly,  on  the 
20th  of  January,  General  Burnside  began  another 
forward  movement.  His  plan  this  time  was  to  cross 
the  Rappahannock  several  miles  above  Falmouth,  and 
turn  the  enemy's  left  wing. 

Monday  morning,  the  left  Grand  Division  was 
put  in  motion,  reaching  Banks'  Ford  —  the  spot 
designed  for  crossing — the  same  day.  One  of  the 
most  terrible  storms  the  Army  ever  experienced  set 
in  that  night  and  continued  until  Wednesday, 
rendering  the  passage  of  the  river  impossible 

We  were  literally  engulphed  in  a  sea  of  mud, 
Virginia  subsoil,  of  all  Jeff.'s  dirty  allies  the  most 
effective,  completely  blocking  our  progress,  and  trans 
forming,  in  a  few  hours'  time,  our  compact,  well 
disciplined  forces,  into  a  confused,  chaotic  mass.  One 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  thousand  men  "  stalled"  ID 

12A 


262  THE    ARMY    ENGULPIIED    IN    MUD. 

mud  J  Pontoons  overturned  and  abandoned,  or 
"  snaked"  along  by  infantry  ;  artillery  "  mired "  to 
the  hubs,  or  broken  down  by  the  roadside ;  ammuni 
tion  trains  upset,  or  at  a  dead-lock  ;  supply  wagons 
stuck  fast  in  the  clayey  soil,  or  half  hidden  beneath 
the  surface;  soldiers  leaping  from  bog  to  bog,  or 
floundering  in  the  mud  like  so  many  Neighbor  Plia- 
bles  in  the  Slough  of  Despond;  stragglers  roaming 
through  the  fields  and  forests  in  quest  of  food,  or 
collected  around  a  barrel  of  whiskey  thrown  over 
board  to  lighten  some  driver's  load;  did  an  army 
ever  before  encounter  such  a  pi  ight  ? 

A  further  advance  under  such  circumstances  was  of 
course  out  of  the  question,  and  on  Thursday  the 
army  returned  to  Falmouth,  the  Thirty-third 
re-occupying  its  old  camp  for  the  third  time.  A 
portion  of  the  Regiment  remained  up  the  river  to 
assist  in  getting  back  the  artillery,  pontoons  and 
other  materiel.  On  the  Monday  following,  we  were 
startled  by  the  report  that  General  Burnside  had 
been  succeeded  by  General  Hooker.  Yery  few  were 
disposed  to  credit  the  statement,  but  it  was  soon 
confirmed  by  the  appearance  of  the  following  fare 
well  address: 

HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  ) 
CAMP  NEAR  FALMOUTH,  Jan.  26,  1863.      ) 

General  Orders  No.  9. — By  direction  of  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States,  the  Commanding  General 
this  day  transfers  the  command  of  this  army  to 
Major  General  Joseph  Hooker.  The  short  time  that 
he  has  directed  its  movements  has  not  been  fruitful 


of  victory,  nor  any  considerable  advancement  of 
our  line,  but  it  has  again  demonstrated  an  amount  of 
courage,  patience  and  endurance  that,  under  more 
favorable  circumstances,  would  have  accomplished 
great  results.  Your  General,  in  taking  an  affection 
ate  leave  of  the  army,  from  which  he  separates  with 
so  much  regret,  may  be  pardoned  if  he  bids  an 
especial  farewell  to  his  long  and  tried  associates  of 
the  Ninth  Corps.  His  prayers  are  that  God  may  be 
with  you,  and  grant  you  continued  success  until  the 
rebellion  is  crushed. 

MAJOK  GENERAL  BURNSIDE. 

Owing  to  the  lack  of  co-operation  manifested 
on  the  part  of  many  subordinate  officers,  General 
Burnside  had,  prior  to  this  time,  issued  an  order  dis 
missing  several  of  them.  This  order  he  sent  to  the 
President,  with  the  request  that  he  would  either 
sanction^  it,  or  relieve  him  from  the  position  of  Gen 
eral  Commanding.  He  must  be  clothed  with  au 
thority  to  root  out  all  disorganizing  elements  in  his 
army,  substituting,  in  the  place  of  envious,  intriguing 
Generals,  those  who  would  labor  in  unison  with  him, 
or  yield  over  his  command.  The  President  did  not 
see  fit  to  confer  this  authority  upon  him,  and  he  was 
accordingly  relieved. 

Rarely  do  we  meet  with  one  possessed  of  such 
noble  qualities  as  were  displayed  in  General  Burn- 
side's  character.  Free  from  those  personal  ambitions 
which  lead  so  many  to  seek  only 

"The  bubble  reputation  even  in  the  cannon's  mouth;" 


264  BURNSIDE   AND    HOOKER   CONTRASTED. 

influenced  solely  by  motives  of  patriotism,  gen 
erous  and  magnanimous  to  a  fault,  manly  and 
Christian  in  his  deportment,  unassuming  and  almost 
diffident,  he  was  the  idol  of  the  Ninth  Army  Corps, 
and  won  the  esteem  and  admiration  of  all  who 
were  thrown  in  contact  with  him.  His  only  faults 
were  those  of  a  military  character:  of  these  the 
main  one  was  a  want  of  reticence.  The  closest 
secrecy  in  all  matters  was  seemingly  incompatible 
with  his  frank,  open  nature.  Lack  of  confidence  in 
his  own  judgment  led  him  to  confer  freely  with 
others  concerning  his  plans,  who  in  turn  communica 
ted  them  to  others,  until  he  could  with  truth,  exclaim : 

"  I  never  whisper  a  private  affair 
Within  the  hearing  of  cat  or  mouse, 
But  I  hear  it  shouted  at  once  from 
The  top  of  the  house." 

But  admitting,  as  he  himself  repeatedly  did,  that 
he  was  not  endowed  with  that  grasp  of  intellect, 
fertility  of  resource,  in  short  Napoleonic  comprehen 
siveness,  necessary  for  commanding  so  large  an  army, 
how  many  men  are  born  in  a  century  who  are  thus 
endowed  ?  Napoleon  once  remarked  that  there  was 
but  one  General  in  the  whole  of  France,  besides 
himself,  who  could  manoeuvre  one  hundred  thousand 
men. 

General  Hooker  came  into  power  with  a  flourish 
of  trumpets,  breathing  death  and  destruction  to  the 
foe.  After  ridiculing  without  stint  his  predecessors, 
plotting  and  scheming  for  their  overthrow,  and 
declaring  that  he  would  "take  the  contract  for  bag- 


GENERAL  HOOKER  IN  COMMAND.       265 

ging  the  whole  rebel  army,"  he  had  at  last  prevail 
ed  upon  the  President,  who  was  boxing  the  compass 
for  a  new  chief,  to  appoint  him.  The  appointment 
was,  however,  conferred,  as  General  Hooker  has 
frequently  said,  in  direct  opposition  to  General  Hal- 
leek's  wishes.  Now  that  he  had  secured  the  reins, 
Mr.  Rebel  must  beware.  He  would  "smash  them 

to ."    "  God  Almighty  must  have  mercy  on  their 

souls — he  wouldn't." 

The  prince  of  braggarts,  one  could  not  be  in  his 
presence  an  hour  without  recalling  a  character  in 
King  John. 

"  Here's  a  stay 

That  shakes  the  rotten  carcass  of  old  death 
Out  of  his  rags  !     Here's  a  large  mouth  indeed  1 
That  spits  forth  death,  and  mountains,  rocks,  and  seas  : 
Talks  as  familiarly  of  roaring  lions, 
As  maids  of  thirteen  do  of  puppy-dogs. 
Whatcannonier  begot  this  lusty  blood  ? 
He  speaks  plain  cannon,  fire,  and  smoke,  and  bounce. 
He  gives  the  bastinado  with  his  tongue. 
Zounds  !  I  was  never  so  bethump'd  with  words, 
Since  I  first  call'd  my  brother's  father,  dad." 

No  sooner  had  he  assumed  command  than  the 
Grand  Divisions  were  abolished,  and  Generals 
Franklin  and  Sumner  relieved — the  latter  at  hie 
own  request.  General  Smith  was  immediately 
after  transferred  to  the  Ninth  Army  Corps,  which 
had  departed  for  the  Peninsula.  The  following  was 
his  parting  address : 


266    GEN.  SMITH  TRANSFERRED  TO  THE  NINTH  CORPS. 

HEADQUARTERS  SIXTH  CORPS,  IN  CAMP  NEAR         ) 
WHITE-OAK  CHURCH,  YA.,  Feb.  5, 1863.  f 
To  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  Qth  Army  Corps : 

I  relinquish  command  over  you  in  obedience  to 
orders.  Your  soldierly  qualities  make  it  a  high 
honor  to  command  you,  and  long  months  of  associa 
tion  with  you  make  me  regret  the  separation. 

To  my  old  Division  I  would  say  more  in  memory 
of  our  past  and  longer  association.  You  will  not 
forget  that  you  were  in  the  advance  from  Fort 
Monroe  to  within  sight  of  the  spires  of  Richmond ; 
that  in  front  of  the  lines  near  Yorktown,  you  took 
and  held  for  days  a  position  within  three  hundred 
yards  of  the  enemy;  that  your  valor  decided  the  day 
at  Williamsburg ;  that  in  three  consecutive  days,  the 
27th,  28th,  and  29th  of  June  last,  you  met  and 
repulsed  the  foe;  that  on  the  17th  of  September  you 
came  upon  the  battle-field  to  find  the  enemy  advanc 
ing  upon  unsupported  artillery,  and  that,  rushing 
upon  their  lines,  you  drove  them  back  in  confu 
sion,  and  saved  the  right  wing  at  Antietam.  With 
such  memorials  your  future  is  easily  foretold. 

W.  F.  SMITH. 

The  rainy  season  had  now  arrived ;  all  hopes  of 
further  active  operations  were  abandoned,  and  the 
army  went  into  permanent  winter  quarters.  During 
the  month  of  Feburary,  the  Thirty-third,  Forty- 
ninth  Pennsylvania,  and  One  Hundred  and  Nine 
teenth  Pennsylvania,  were  formed  into  anew  Brigade, 
and  placed  under  the  charge  of  Colonel  Taylor,  who 


A    NEW    CAMP.  267 

established  his  Headquarters  at  the  "Lee  House," 
about  one  mile  and  a  half  from  White-Oak  Church. 
The  Regiment  changed  its  location  to  a  woody  crest 
on  the  Lee  estate,  a  third  of  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  the 
Colonel's  quarters.  This  was  the  most  delightful 
camp  the  Thirty-third  had  during  its  two  years  of 
service;  airy,  roomy,  healthy,  commanding  a  fine 
view  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  well  supplied 
with  pure  water  from  springs  close  by.  On  the 
summit  of  the  hill,  a  square  clearing  was  made, 
company  streets  laid  out,  and  the  soldiers'  cabins 
built  in  regular  order.  The  officers'  quarters  were 
constructed  just  in  the  edge  of  the  wood  at  the  head 
of  the  various  streets.  Encamped  directly  beneath, 
on  the  hill  side,  were  the  Forty-ninth  and  One 
Hundred  and  Nineteenth  Pennsylvania. 

The  months  of  Feburary,  March,  and  April,  pass 
ed  very  pleasantly.  Athletic  sports  of  every  descrip 
tion  and  in-door  amusements,  beguiled  away  many 
hours.  A  mail  was  received  every  evening  and 
distributed  at  the  Chaplain's  tent.  The  New  York, 
Philadelphia  and  Washington  daily  papers,  together 
with  numerous  volumes  from  the  Bernard  libraries, 
and  other  secession  sources,  furnished  ample  read 
ing  material. 

On  becoming  weary  of  the  monotony  of  camp 
life,  many  sauntered  out  to  the  surrounding  forests, 
fields,  and  farm-houses,  in  quest  of  adventure.  Be 
tween  the  encampment  and  Acquia  Creek  was  a 
settlement  of  contrabands,  employed  by  government 
in  wood-chopping.  They  occupied  the  huts  built  by 


A   SETTLEMENT   OF   CONTRABANDS. 

the  enemy  when  in  possession  of  the  region,  and 
were  apparently  very  contented  with  their  new  mode 
of  life.  After  the  labors  of  the  day  were  closed, 
they  assembled  for  a  Virginia  "  hoe-down,"  in 
which  the  slaves  so  much  delight,  or  to  participate 
in  religious  exercises.  Most  of  the  older  members 
of  the  community  were  of  a  religious  turn,  and  not 
unfrequently  spent  the  entire  night  in  devotion. 
Their  leader  on  such  occasions,  a  wrinkled,  osseous 
specimen,  whose  crisp  hair  and  callous  skin  were,  if 
possible,  a  shade  darker  than  that  of  his  companions, 
had  been  the  head-cook  of  his  master,  and  now  acted 
in  that  capacity.  He  was  never  so  much  at  home  as 
when  exhorting  the  brethren,  and  instead  of  being 
embarrassed  by  the  presence  of  soldiers,  then  talked 
and  prayed  with  increased  fervor.  The  writer  took 
down  his  prayer  one  evening.  He  had  just  risen 
from  his  knees  when  we  entered,  but  loth  to  lose  an 
opportunity  of  displaying  his  talent  to  the  "  northern 
white  folks,"  he  again  kneeled  down  and  delivered 
the  following  with  great  unction. 

Oh,  Lord  God  of  dis  glorious  Universe.  Wilt 
dou  look  down  in  de  omnipresence  of  dy  eye  upon 
dese  dy  collard  children  bowed  upon  de  knuckle 
bone  dis  night.  Take  a  solemn  peep  upon  us  and 
let  a  heap  of  lighten.  Dou  knowest  what  dese  dy 
poor  darkies  need.  Dere  be  Sam,  dere  be  Jerry, 
and  dere  be  Pompey.  Dey  are  in  dere  sins,  dats 
what  I  reckon.  Help  dem  to  git  up,  and  git  from  de 
wilderness  of  sin,  and  come  in  to  de  clearing  of 
salvation.  Take  a  solemn  peep  also  upon  de  darkies 


NEGRO   DEVOTIONS.  269 

in  de  other  cabin,  who  fiddle  and  whirl  on  de 
bombastic  toe,  while  dy  servant  fulminates  words 
to  dee.  May  dey  rise  above  the  anthratory  things 
of  dis  world,  and  fly  like  massa  Linkum's  balloom 
heavenward.  Ruler  of  all  humans  on  dis  earth,  wilt 
dou  bress  de  Generals  in  de  field  dis  night,  if  it  be 
circumspection  in  dy  eye.  Bress  de  Colonels  in  de 
field  dis  knight,  if  it  be  circumspection  in  dy  dis 
creet  eye,  and  also  bress  de  Union  soldiers  who  carry 
de  musket  and  chew  de  cartridge,  fightin  for  de 
Union  and  de  Stars  and  Stripes.  Dey  fight  in  a 
scientific  cause,  and  be  de  bestest  of  men,  but  good 
Lord,  mey  dey  swear  less  and  pray  more.  And  finally 
bress  dy  humble  servant  now  supplicating  dee  in  be 
half  of  dese  benighted  darkies.  It  behoves  dee  to 
dig  deep,  and  sound  to  de  very  bottom  of  his  heart. 
May  dere  be  nary  blimmage  between  myself  and 
my  Saviour. 

In  de  language  of  de  mighty  Washington,  dis 
world  is  all  a  fleetin  show.  To-day  we  are  alive  and 
hoppin  around  like  grass-hoppers,  to-morrow  the 
sickle  of  death  cuts  us  down,  and  spreads  us  out  like 
grass  in  hay  time.  On  every  side  dou  knowest,  oh 
Lord,  is  de  evidences  of  de  general  dislocation  and 
distruction  of  de  human  family.  Dere  be  fightin 
among  one  another,  and  natural  disease.  But  we 
die  to  live  again,  either  as  saints  or  evil  spirits. 
Dere  be  discushions  on  doctrines.  Elecshion,  Before- 
ordination,  Perfection,  and  sich  like,  confuse  de  intel 
lects  of  both  black  men  and  white.  But  good  Lord, 
dou  knowest  dat  dese  are  vain  allusions,  splittin  an 


270  ORIGINAL    HYMNS. 

dividin  dy  creatures  into  sexes  without  mercy. 
Whoever  will  can  go  to  glory.  Many  dare  will  be 
with  sleek  countenances,  white  collars  and  fine 
clothes,  who  will  find  de  gates  shut  against  dem, 
while  de  blind  old  woman  hobbling  on  crutches,  she 
go  straight  in,  Amen. 


Slave  Quarters. 

The  hearty  burst  of  amens  which  followed  from 
the  hearers,  indicated  that  they  were  no  less  satisfied 
with  his  "gifts"  than  the  leader  himself,  whose  serene 

O 

and  placid  countenance  was  turned  upon  us  in  a 
most  knowing  manner,  as  much  as  to  say,  "any 
white  man  beat  that?" 

Several  now  joined  in  singing  a  "hymn,"  of 
which  the  chorus  was — 

"  Lord,  we  are  flowin  to  de  fountain, 

And  it  is  so  sweet ; 

Didn't  my  Jesus  turn  him  in  de  coffin  ? 
Didn't  my  Jesus  turn  him  in  de  coffin  ? 

Sister  Mary  she  loved  Jesus, 
And  so  do  I. 


Contrabands  near  Acquia  Creek. 


FREEDOM   FROM   SICKNESS    IN   THE   ARMY.  273 

Lord,  we  are  flowin  to  de  fountain, 
Flowin  to  de  fountain, 

And  it  is  so  sweet." 

While  this  was  being  sung,  a  young  member  of 
the  band,  with  sleeves  rolled  up  and  a  bandana 
wrapped  about  his  head,  stood  in  the  centre  of  the 
cabin,  and  kept  time.  He  continued  beating  with 
the  feet  and  patting  with  the  hands,  at  the  same 
time  twisting  himself  into  every  conceivable 
shape  the  human  body  will  admit  of,  until  the 
perspiration  rolled  off  in  large  drops  from  his  fore 
head.  An  exhortation  was  next  listened  to,  after 
which  they  sang  a  variety  of  tunes,  the  following 
being  a  samplt 


Jesus  '11  git  us  out  o1  dis, 
Jesus  '11  git  us  out  o'  dis, 
An'  will  go  home  to  Cancan, 
An'  will  go  home  to  Canean. 

In  describing  this  strange  scene,  we  have  no 
intention  of  throwing  ridicule  upon  these  unfortu 
nates,  or  their  devotions,  but  merely  to  give  the 
reader  an  idea  of  the  manner  in  which  slave 
worship  is  frequently  conducted. 

The  health  of  the  troops  continued  to  be  remark 
ably  good,  only  five  per  cent,  of  the  entire  army 
being  on  the  sick  list.  Indeed,  when  we  compare 
the  sanitary  condition  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
from  its  origin  up  to  the  present  time  with  that  of 
other  military  organizations,  there  is  abundant 
occasion  for  thanksgiving.  Nearly  one  half  of 


274  DISEASE    IN    OTHER    ARMIES. 

our  entire  forces  of  the  Revolution,  forty-seven  per 
cent.,  were  at  one  time  unfit  for  duty.  Of  thirty 
thousand  troops  that  composed  the  English  Army 
under  Wellington  in  1809,  six  thousand  were  sick 
in  the  hospitals.  In  1811,  the  Portugese  Army, 
numbering  forty-four  thousand,  had  nine  thousand 
on  the  sick  list.  The  terrible  sickness  during  the 
late  Crimean  struggle  is  fresh  in  the  memory  of 
every  one.  Thirty  thousand  Russian  soldiers  per 
ished  in  a  few  weeks'  time  from  camp  diseases,  arid 
thirty-five  per  cent.,  if  we  mistake  not,  of  the  allied 
troops  were  prostrated  with  sickness  when  Florence 
Nightingale  entered  upon  her  mission  of  mercy.  At 
the  commencement  of  the  war,  the  enemy  calculated 
largely  on  Cholera,  Yellow  Jack,  and  other  maladies, 
as  allies  in  decimating  our  ranks ;  but  the  health  of 
the  troops  thus  far  has  been  unparalleled  in  the 
history  of  modern  warfare.  This  has  been  mainly 
due  to  the  lavish  amount  of  supplies — at  least  one 
third  greater  than  those  furnished  to  any  European 
Army — and  to  the  skillful  management  of  the 
medical  Department. 

What  is  known  as  the  Regimental  fund  comprises 
the  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the  excess  rations 
furnished  to  the  various  Regiments.  This  sum 
amounts  to  several  thousand  dollars  annually,  thus 
indicating  the  liberality  of  government  in  the  matter 
of  food.  The  Medical  Department  characterized  at 
the  commencement  of  the  war,  by  little  order  or 
efficiency,  is  now  completely  systematized  and  placed 
on  a  servicable  footing.  Immediately  on  the  resump- 


DESTITUTION    AMONG     THE    VIRGINIANS.  275 

tion  of  active  operations,  the  Surgeons  are  assigned 
to  the  duty  for  which  they  are  best  qualified  ;  some 
to  the  care  of  the  sick,  others  to  the  amputating 
table,  and  others  to  the  field. 


"  Poor  white  trash." 

The  encampment  was  frequently  visited  during 
the  winter  by  those  stigmatized  among  the  wealthier 
Virginians,  as  "poor  white  trash."  They  generally 
came  to  crave  "  a  little  flour,"  "  a  few  potatoes," 
anything  to  keep  body  and  soul  together.  Deprived 
of  their  sons  by  a  contest  in  which  they  took  no 
interest,  stripped  of  their  little  all  by  both  parties, 
reduced  to  absolute  penury,  theirs  was  a  hopeless  lot 
indeed. 


276  APRIL    DAYS. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Splendid  Condition  of  the  Army. — Gen.  Hooker's  Programme.— A 
Forward  Movement. — Battles  of  Chancellorsville  and  Vicinity. 
— Jackson  turns  Hooker's  Right  Wing. — Operations  below  Fred- 
ericksburg. — Strategy. — Address  from  the  Commanding  General. 
— The  Washington  Estate. — Crossing  the  Rappahannock. 

WINTEK  had  now  passed,  and  the  warm,  genial  days 
of  April  were  fast  drying  up  the  roads,  and  render 
ing  the  resumption  of  operations  practicable.  Four 
months  had  rolled  away  since  the  bloody  struggle 
under  Burnside,  during  which  the  army  had  recupera 
ted  its  energies,  recovered  its  morale^  and  been  rein 
forced  by  numerous  accessions  of  troops.  Believing, 
with  Frederick  the  Great,  that  a  soldier's  pluck  lies 
in  his  stomach,  Gen.  Hooker  had  added  fresh  bread, 
potatoes  and  other  esculents  to  the  already  substan 
tial  bill  of  fare,  thereby  putting  his  men  in  the  best 
of  fighting  trim  ;  and  they,  in  turn,  had  come  to 
cherish  a  certain  regard  for  and  confidence  in  him, 
shouting  like  the  Portuguese  under  Crawford,  "Long 
live  the  General  who  takes  care  of  our  bellies." 

The  army  was  ripe  for  offensive  movements.  The 
long  weeks  of  inactivity  had  afforded  the  General 
commanding  ample  time  for  reviewing  the  situation, 
deciding  upon  a  plan  of  attack,  and  completing  the 
necessary  preparations. 


OFFENSIVE    OPERATIONS    RENEWED.  277 

About  the  middle  of  the  month  marching  orders 
were  issued  to  the  troops,  but  were  immediately 
rescinded,  owing  to  a  furious  storm  which  arose  and 
prevailed  for  two  days.  The  elements  again  becom 
ing  propitious,  on  Monday  and  Tuesday,  April  27th 
and  28th,  the  various  Army  Corps  left  their  snug 
winter  quarters  and  moved  towards  the  Rappahan- 
nock.  The  programme  decided  upon  was  this :  while 
a  portion  of  the  army  crossed  below  Fredericksburg, 
and  diverted  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  the  remain 
der  were  to  proceed  up  the  river,  and  turning  their 
left  wing,  occupy  a  position  directly  in  the  rear  of  the 
rebel  works.  At  the  same  time  Gen.  Stoneman, 
taking  nearly  the  entire  body  of  our  cavalry,  was  to 
make  his  way  down  through  the  State  by  the  Cul- 
pepper  route,  and  circling  round  to  the  railroad, 
destroy  the  bridges  over  the  North  and  South  Anna 
rivers,  less  than  twenty  miles  from  Richmond. 

After  the  seventy-five  thousand  men  thrown  in  the 
rear  had  attacked  and  defeated  the  enemy,  the  fifty 
thousand  at  Fredericksburg  were  to  press  forward 
likewise,  engage  them,  and  cut  off  the  way  of  retreat 
towards  Richmond.  This  comprehensive  and  mas 
terly  plan — substantially  the  same  as  Gen.  Burnside's 
last — must,  if  it  had  proven  successful,  have  accom 
plished  no  less  than  its  author  intended,  the  total 
destruction  of  Gen.  Lee's  army;  but,  alas!  Jackson 
had  not  then  received  his  death  wound. 

The  Second  Corps,  Couch's;  Fifth,  Meade's ; 
Eleventh,  Howard's;  and  Twelfth,  Slocum's ; 
marched  to  the  upper  fords  of  the  Rappahannock, 

lo 


278        THE   EIGHT   WING    AT   CHANCELLORS VILLE. 

and  meeting  with  but  little  opposition,  most  of  the 
force  moved  forward,  and  by  Thursday  night  were 
massed  in  the  vicinity  of  Chancellorsville,  after 
having  travelled  a  distance  of  thirty-six  miles. 
On  Friday,  Gen.  Hooker,  who  accompanied  this  wing 
of  the  army,  formed  the  troops  in  a  line  of  battle,  of 
a  triangular  or  Redan  shape,  resting  with  its  wings 
respectively  on  the  Rappahannock,  between  Banks' 
and  United  States  Fords  and  Hunting  Creek — an 
affluent  of  the  Rappahannock — and  having  its  apex 
at  Chancellorsville,  in  the  rear  of  Fredericksburg. 
The  events  which  followed  we  shall  allude  to  briefly, 
reserving  our  main  description  for  those  operations 
in  which  the  Thirty-third  were  concerned. 

During  the  day  reconnoitring  forces  were  sent 
on  the  roads  leading  to  Fredericksburg,  to  "  feel"  the 
enemy,  and  likewise  learn  the  topography  of  the 
region.  All  night  Friday,  parties  were  engaged  in 
felling  trees,  clearing  away  the  tangled  thickets,  and 
constructing  abatis.  Saturday,  Howard's  Corps  was 
posted  on  the  extreme  right;  then  a  Division  of 
Sickles'  Corps  (3),  which  had  come  up ;  then  Slocum ; 
then  Couch  ;  then  Meade  on  the  left ;  Humphrey's 
Division  of  Meade's  Corps  holding  the  extreme 
left.  Several  unsuccessful  attempts  were  made  by 
the  enemy  during  the  day  to  pierce  the  lines,  but 
about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  Jackson  sud 
denly  hurled  forty  thousand  men  upon  Howard's 
Corps,  which  fell  back  in  confusion.  The  Second 
Division  of  the  Third  Corps  was  immediately 
wheeled  around  to  the  rescue,  and  succeeded  in 
recovering  some  of  the  lost  ground,  but  the  right  of 


THREE   SANGUINARY    ENGAGEMENTS.  279 

the  line  was  completely  turned.  This  success  of  the 
enemy  placed  Gen.  Sickles,  who  had  pushed  forward 
in  front  with  the  remaining  two  Divisions  of  the 
Third  Corps,  in  a  very  precarious  condition,  nearly 
severing  his  connection  with  the  remainder  of  the 
army.  Gen.  Hooker  now  decided  upon  a  night 
attack,  which,  though  terrible  and  bloody,  as  the 
engagement  through  the  afternoon  had  been,  resulted 
in  victory.  The  enemy  were  driven  full  half  a  mile, 
and  the  lines  re-formed  on  the  left,  much  in  the  same 
manner  as  they  had  been  before. 

The  First  Army  Corps,  which  had  arrived  from 
Falmouth,  and  the  Fifth,  were  posted  as  a  new  line, 
while  the  disorganized  Eleventh  was  transferred  to 
the  left.  About  5£  o'clock  Sunday  morning,  the 
enemy  came  down  the  plank  road  leading  from 
Chancellorsville,  and  made  a  furious  onslaught.  The 
engagement  soon  became  general,  and  for  five  hours 
the  roar  of  artillery  and  sharp  rattle  of  musketry 
resounded  through  the  forest.  Our  batteries  were 
posted  on  commanding  positions,  and  made  great 
havoc  among  the  enemy  as  they  advanced  to  the 
conflict. 

About  ten  o'clock  the  lines  were  contracted  and 
re-formed  in  the  vicinity  of  the  clearing,  which, 
together  with  a  single  house,  constituted  all  of  Chan 
cellorsville.  During  the  remainder  of  the  day  the 
enemy  made  several  attempts  to  break  them,  but 
were  each  time  repulsed.  Here  the  army  remained 
on  the  defensive,  in  a  strongly  entrenched  position, 
until  the  following  Tuesday  evening,  when  it  re 
treated,  and  safely  re-crossed  the  Rappahannock. 


280  THE   LEFT   WING    ON    THE    MARCH. 

Returning  now  to  the  other  wing  of  the  army, 
the  First  Corps,  Gen.  Reynolds,  Third,  Gen.  Sickles, 
and  Sixth,  Gen.  Sedgwick,  proceeded,  on  the  after 
noon  of  the  28th,  to  the  dense  woods  back  of  the 
point  where  Gen.  Franklin  crossed  the  river  in  De 
cember,  and  bivouacked  for  the  night.  The  Thirty- 
third,  which  was  on  picket  Tuesday,  when  the  Sixth 
Corps  broke  camp,  having  gone  out  the  day  previous, 
was  ordered  in  at  two  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  in  a  half 
hour's  time  completed  their  preparations  for  depar 
ture.  The  sick  had  previously  been  sent  to  the 
Corps  Hospital,  which  had  been  established  at 
Potomac  Creek  Bridge,  and  placed  in  charge  of  Sur 
geon  Dickinson.  All  clothing  and  camp  equipage, 
not  absolutely  necessary,  were  sent  to  Belle  Plain,  in 
charge  of  Quartermaster  Alexander,  and  the  haver 
sacks  and  knapsacks,  loaded  down  with  rations,  of 
which  the  troops  were  ordered  to  have  eight  days' 
supply.  The  time  for  their  departure  northward 
was  drawing  rapidly  near,  and  for  days  the  men  had 
been  making  themselves  merry  over  the  prospect  of 
soon  being  with  the  loved  ones  at  home,  after  two 
long  years  absence.  Under  such  circumstances  they 
could  hardly  have  been  expected  to  enter  upon  the 
new  movement  with  much  heart  or  spirit.  Instead, 
however,  of  flinching  from  the  fresh  duties  imposed 
upon  them,  they  stepped  with  alacrity  to  their  places 
when  Col.  Taylor,  who  had  now  resumed  command 
of  his  Regiment,  gave  the  order  to  "  fall  in,"  eager 
to  strike  one  more  blow  for  their  country — add  one 
more  laurel  to  the  wreath  of  honor  which  encircled 
the  name  of  the  gallant  Thirty-third. 


LAYING  OF  PONTOONS  BELOW  FREDERICKSBURG.   281 

Leaving  the  now  grass-green  crest,  where  so  many 
pleasant  weeks  had  been  spent,  the  Regiment 
wended  its  way  down  the  sloping  ^des,  through  the 
fields  on  the  left,  and  crossing  the  main  thoroughfare 
near  White-Oak  Church,  entered  the  forest.  An 
hour's  march  brought  them  to  a  small  clearing,  where 
a  halt  for  a  few  moments  was  ordered,  and  the  men 
stretched  themselves  out  on  the  green  turf.  Again 
entering  the  woods,  they  pursued  a  circuitous 
course,  through  dense  thickets,  across  deep  ravines 
and  over  treacherous  bogs,  until  the  Division  was 
overtaken  at  dusk,  close  to  the  spot  where  the  Regi 
ment  had  encamped  after  re-crossing  the  river  in 
the  winter.  Fires  not  being  permitted,  the  men 
were  obliged  to  dispense  with  coffee,  and  sup  as  best 
they  could  on  "  hard  tack"  and  ham,  after  which  the 
light  shelter  tents  were  spread  and,  they  betook  them 
selves  to  rest.  The  "  Light  Brigade"  of  the  same 
Division  was  employed  during  the  night  in  getting 
the  pontoons  down  near  to  the  river. 

Instead  of  being  drawn  on  noisy,  rumbling  trucks, 
as  heretofore,  they  were  quietly  conveyed  on  the 
men's  shoulders,  who  tugged  away  lustily  at  them 
until  between  three  and  four  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
Wednesday,  when  they  were  launched  in  the  river. 
So  stealthily  had  the  operations  been  conducted,  that 
the  enemy's  pickets  did  not  sound  the  alarm,  until 
they  saw  boat  loads  of  armed  men  approaching. 
They  had  time  to  fire  only  two  or  three  volleys,  and 
then  fled.  Russell's  Brigade  was  the  first  to  reach 
the  opposite  bank,  and  rapidly  clambering  up  its  sides. 


GEN.    WADS  WORTH    SWIMMING    THE    RIVER. 

started  in  pursuit  of  the  astonished  rebels.  The 
officer  of  the  picket  line  was  found  fast  asleep  in 
bed,  and  on  bein<* brought  over,  entreated  us  not  to 
exchange  him,  "  for  if  you  do,"  he  said,  "  I  shall  surely 
be  shot  for  having  been  caught  napping."  Col.  Irwin, 
of  the  Forty-ninth  Pennsylvania,  and  some  eight 
or  ten  others,  were  wounded  in  the  crossing.  Two 
bridges  were  lain,  in  the  identical  positions  occupied 
last  year,  and  Brooks'  Division  of  the  Sixth  Corps 
thrown  over. 

Later  in  the  morning,  five  companies  of  the  Fif 
tieth  New  York,  Engineers,  proceeded  one  mile  and 
a  quarter  below,  and  commenced  throwing  two  other 
bridges.  Troops  from  Meredith's  (Iron)  Brigade  of 
Gen.  Wadsworth's  Division,  First  Corps,  dashed  over 
in  boats,  and  charging  up  the  bank,  took  nearly  all  of 
the  enemy  prisoners,  who  were  firing  from  behind 
earthworks  and  rifle-pits.  The  Twenty-fourth  Mich 
igan,  Col.  Marrow,  led  this  gallant  charge,  followed 
by  the  Sixth  Wisconsin.  Some  of  the  rebels  who 
escaped  took  refuge  in  ti  house  close  by,  but  our  guns 
immediately  being  turned  upon  it,  they  scampered 
from  the  building  as  fast  as  their  legs  could  carry 
them,  provoking  round  after  round  of  laughter  from 
our  boys.  The  whole  of  Wadsworth's  Division 
crossed,  the  General  not  waiting  for  the  bridges  to 
be  completed,  but  fearlessly  swimming  his  horse 
over.  Troops  now  began  to  debouch  at  various  points 
from  the  forest,  and  reaching  the  flats  along  the  river, 
halted  and  stacked  arms.  The  Thirty-third,  together 
with  the  other  Regiments  of  Howe's  Division,  break 
fasted  early,  and  descending  to  the  plain  about  nine 


STRATEGIC    MOVEMENTS.  285 

o'clock,  halted  at  the  same  spot  where  it  had  lain 
during  the  day  preceding  the  crossing  last  year  under 
Burnside.  The  sky  was  of  a  leaden,  wintry  gray,  and 
a  stiff  breeze  was  blowing. 

The  whole  of  the  Sixth  Corps,  with  the  exception 
of  Brooks'  Division,  now  over  the  river,  were  massed 
here,  and  the  First  Corps,  with  the  exception  of  Wads- 
worth's  Division,  near  the  two  lower  bridges,  while 
the  Third,  Gen.  Sickles,  remained  back  on  the  hills 
and  in  the  woods  in  the  rear. 

Can  it  be?  was  the  question  which  trembled  on 
every  lip,  that  we  are  again  to  be  recklessly  hurled 
against  that  amphitheatre  of  hills,  before  which  five 
thousand  of  our  number  fell  last  year?  So  it 
seemed.  The  three  entire  Corps  could  not  be  de 
signed  for  a  mere  feint  movement  ?  But  wrhen  no 
more  troops  were  crossed  over,  and  on  the  following 
day  a  series  of  marches  and  countermarches  wrere 
ordered,  all  gloomy  forebodings  were  dispelled,  for 
we  then  knew  that  the  appearance  of  the  three 
Corps  here  was  for  a  ruse,  though  on  a  large  scale, 
to  attract  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  while  the  force 
above  moved  to  their  rear.  The  appearance  by 
noon  of  two  heavy  lines  of  the  enemy  on  the  old 
battle-field,  now  a  beautiful  carpet  of  green,  proved 
that  the  strategy  had  been  successful. 

As  fast  as  their  numerous  regiments  arrived  from 
above  or  below,  they  descended  the  hills  and 
formed  in  line  at  the  foot  to  receive  us.  There  they 
remained  in  position  for  hours;  but  seeing  no  dispo 
sition  to  advance  on  our  part,  large  numbers, 
dropping  bacjt  in  the  woods,  swarmed  like  bees  in 

13A 


ORDER   OF    GEN.    HOOKER. 

the  tree-tops  to  scrutinize  our  movements,  and  ascer 
tain,  if  possible,  "  what  we  were  about  that  we  did 
not  come  on."  Gen.  Sedgwick,  who  had  charge  of 
this  wing  of  the  army,  continued  to  march  and 
countermarch  the  troops  in  view  of  the  enemy. 
Forming  on  the  crest  of  the  hills,  they  would  move 
down  in  solid  columns  to  the  bridges,  as  if  to  cross, 
but  instead  of  crossing,  quietly  draw  back  through  a 
gully,  and  in  a  half  hour's  time  be  descending  the 
hill  again.  This  series  of  manoeuvres  led  the  enemy 
to  suppose  that  our  entire  army  was  here.  The  dis 
appearance,  however,  of  most  of  the  rebel  infantry 
from  our  front,  on  Friday  morning,  indicated  that 
they  had  divined  our  strategy — not,  however,  until 
it  had  accomplished  »the  purpose  intended,  as  the 
reading  of  the  following  order  showed : 

HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,        ) 
NEAR  FALMOUTH,  APRIL  30,  1863.  j 

It  is  with  heartfelt  satisfaction  that  the  General 
Commanding  announces  to  the  army  that  the  opera 
tions  of  the  last  three  days  have  determined  that  our 
enemy  must  ingloriously  fly,  or  come  out  from  behind 
their  defences  and  give  us  battle  on  our  own  ground, 
where  certain  destruction  awaits  them.  The  opera 
tions  of  the  Fifth,  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps  have 
been  a  series  of  splendid  successes. 
By  command  of 

MAJOR-GENERAL  HOOKER. 

S.  WILLIAMS,  Adjutant-General. 


THE    WASHINGTON    ESTATE.  287 

While  the  enemy  had  delayed  in  our  front,  our 
right  wing  had  reached  Chancellors ville. 

The  reading  of  these  brief  lines  to  the  various 
Regiments  occasioned  the  wildest  enthusiasm,  and 
cheer  after  cheer  was  given  for  "  Fighting  Joe.'' 
While  waiting  orders  on  the  flats,  elegant  swords 
were  presented  to  Captains  Cole  and  Gilford  by  their 
respective  Companies.  The  Colonel  made  a  brief 
address,  urging  them  to  wield  these  new  weapons 
manfully  in  the  coming  strife. 

Just  at  nightfall  the  enemy  opened  a  heavy  fire  on 
the  lower  bridges  and  the  inimntry  on  the  opposite 
bank,  killing  and  wounding  some  thirty  of  them.  Our 
guns  replied  with  much  spirit,  until  darkness  put  an 
end  to  the  conflict.  The  rebels  used  one  heavy 
Whitworth  gun,  which  was  planted  four  miles  away, 
and  fired  with  a  most  uncomfortable  precision. 

Friday  was  a  day  of  comparative  quiet,  there 
being  no  infantry  and  but  very  little  artillery  firing. 
The  enemy's  pickets  were  posted  along  the  Bowling 
Green  road,  while  heavy  reinforcements  from  Rich 
mond  could  be  seen  moving  over  the  hills  towards 
Chancellorsville.  Gen.  Sickles'  Corps  moved  up 
the  river  to  reinforce  Hooker. 

During  the  afternoon,  members  of  the  Regiment 
improved  the  inactivity  to  visit  the  old  Washington 
Estate,  situated  down  the  river,  about  a  mile  in  the 
rear  of  the  lower  bridges.  The  story  of  little  George 
cutting  clown  his  father's  apple  tree  with  his  new 
hatchet,  is  familiar  to  every  one.  The  exact  spot  where 
the  tree  stood  is  pointed  out,  and  the  green  on  which 


HEAVY   ARTILLERY    FIRING. 

the  Father  of  his  Country  played  and  wantoned  in  his 
childhood.  The  Estate  has  descended  to  the  Fitz- 
hughs,  who  abandoned  it  on  our  appearance  here  last 
fall.  Their  son,  a  Captain  in  the  Confederate  ser 
vice,  was  killed  on  Wednesday,  when  the  Iron 
Brigade  crossed  the  river. 

Saturday  morning  found  our  troops  posted  in 
about  the  same  position  as  the  day  previous,  the 
Thirty-third  still  remaining  encamped  on  the  flats. 
About  half-past  seven  a  rebel  battery,  planted  during 
the  night  in  front  of  the  ruins  of  the  Bernard  House, 
tossed  a  couple  of  shells  among  the  pickets,  who 
were  playing  ball.  This  was  immediately  followed 
by  their  ten-pound  Parrots,  planted  on  the  crest, 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  below,  which  again  concen 
trated  a  rapid  fire  on  the  lower  bridges  and  Wads- 
worth's  Division.  They  were,  however,  soon  silen 
ced  by  our  heavy  guns.  Occasional  skirmishing 
continued  through  the  day.  Towards  evening,  Gen. 
Brooks  discovered  bodies  of  the  enemy  moving  along 
the  hills,  as  if  to  fall  upon  our  right.  When,  how 
ever,  he  perceived,  a  few  moments  later,  that  the 
head  of  the  column  was  directed  towards  Chancel- 
lorsville,  he  became  satisfied  that  Gen.  Lee  was  with 
drawing  all  his  infantry  from  our  front,  and  imme 
diately  ordered  the  skirmish  line  forward.  The 
"Light  Brigade,"  which  was  then  in  front,  advanced, 
flanked  the  enemy's  pickets  and  drove  them  in  fine 
style  half  a  mile  beyond  the  Bowling  Green  road. 
Scattered  along  the  turnpike  were  found  knapsacks, 
canteens  and  several  "dummeys,"  or  pickets  of 
straw. 


CROSSING    ON    PONTOONS    BY    MOONLIGHT.  289 

The  lower  crossing  had  now  been  abandoned,  and 
Gen.  Sedgwick  sent  the  First  Corps  likewise  up  the 
river  to  reinforce  Hooker,  leaving  only  the  Sixth 
Corps  below  Fredericksburg.  Immediately  on  our 
obtaining  possession  of  the  Bowling  Green  turnpike, 
Howe's  and  Newton's,  the  two  remaining  Divisions 
of  the  Corps,  passed  over  the  bridges. 


290  A    GLORIOUS    SUCCESS. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 
THE  STORMING  OF  FREDERICKSBDRG  HEIGHTS. 

SUNDAY,  MAY  3,  1863. 

SUNDAY,  May  3d,  was  a  proud  day  for  the  Union 
arms-*the  boasted  Heights  of  Fredericksbnrg  were 
stormed  by  our  brave  boys,  and  the  Stars  and  Stripes 
planted  triumphantly  over  that  u  Gibraltar  of 
America."  Whatever  the  result  of  the  fighting  in 
the  rear,  that  in  front  crowned  our  arms  with  im 
perishable  renown.  "  This  crest  of  hills,"  wrote  the 
London  Times'  correspondent,  after  the  battle  under 
Burnside,  "  constitute  one  of  the  strongest  positions 
in  the  world — impregnable  to  any  attack  from  the 
front."  The  achievements  of  that  memorable  day 
again  demonstrated  that  what  is  impossible  with 
John  Bull  becomes  possible  with  Jonathan.  The 
members  of  the  Thirty-third  can  ever  point  with 
pride  to  the  conspicuous  part  which  they  bore  in 
this  brilliant  achievement — the  crowning  glory  of 
their  two  years'  career. 

Though  Gen.  Lee  had  withdrawn  his  infantry 
from  the  ridge  below  the  city,  he  left,  as  he  sup 
posed,  a  sufficient  force  to  hold  the  hills  immediately 
in  the  rear.  Here  was  planted  the  best  of  his  artil- 


PREPABING  TO   STOEM   MAKYE's   HEIGHTS.         293 

lery,  supported  by  the  flower  of  his  infantry,  under 
command  of  the  haughty  and  supercilious  Barks- 
dale,  who  a  few  weeks  later  breathed  his  life  away 
on  the  crimson  fields  of  Gettysburg — abandoned  by 
his  own  men,  without  a  slave  even  to  bring  him  a 
cup  of  cold  water. 

About  one  o'clock  Sunday  morning,  a  courier 
arrived  at  Gen.  Sedgwick's  headquarters,  with  orders 
from  Gen.  Hooker  to  storm  the  Heights,  and  push 
ing  on  beyond,  join  him  at  Chancellorsville.  After 
crossing  below  Fredericksburg  Saturday  evening, 
Howe's  Division  had  advanced  up  towards  the  city 
on  the  Bowling  Green  road,  as  far  as  Hazel  Creek, 
the  Thirty-third  and  Forty-ninth  New  York  being 
deployed  as  skirmishers.  When  Hooker's  orders 
arrived,  Gen.  Newton's  Division  passed  to  the  right, 
and  later,  Howe's  also  moved  further  on,  connecting 
with  him.  Brooks  likewise  came  up  from  below,  and 
formed  on  to  Howe's  left.  The  positions  of  the  vari 
ous  Divisions  became  then  as  follows :  Gen.  Brooks, 
extreme  left;  Gen.  Howe,  centre;  and  Gen.  New 
ton,  right ;  connecting  on  with  Newton's  was  Gib 
bon's  Division  of  the  Second  Corps,  extending 
above  the  city. 

The  Regiments  for  the  assault  were  selected  from 
Howe's,  Newton's  and  Gibbon's  commands.  The 
following  comprised  all,  or  nearly  all,  the  number : 
31st,  33d,  36th,  43d,  49th,  59th,  61st  and  77th  New 
York ;  23d,  61st,  82d,  93d,  98th,  122d,  127th  and 
139th  Pennsylvania ;  7th,  19th  and  20th  Massachu 
setts;  5th  Wisconsin,  6th  and  7th  Maine,  21st  New 
Jersey  and  1st  Long  Island. 


294  DESCRIPTION    OF   THE    HEIGHTS. 

To  Gen.  Neill's  Brigade  was  assigned  the  honor  of 
leading  the  left  one  of  the  storming  columns,  and  to 
the  Thirty-third  the  honor  of  leading  the  Brigade. 
The  reader  will  remember  that  the  line  of  works  to 
be  taken  was  about  one  third  of  a  mile  in  the  rear 
of  Fredericksburg,  constructed  on  a  natural  bluff, 
extending  above  and  below  the  city  for  some  dis 
tance,  and  known  as  "  Marye's  Heights."  Beneath 
ran  the  famous  stone-wall,  forming  the  western 
boundary  of  the  plain  over  which  the  charging 
columns  must  pass.  Along  the  lower  edge  of  this 
plateau,  close  by  the  reservoir,  which  separates  it 
from  the  city,  the  troops  were  massed,  lying  on  the 
ground  to  avoid  the  enemy's  fire.  The  diagram  on 
the  opposite  page  represents  the  scene  of  action, 
with  the  relative  positions  occupied  by  the  advance 
Regiments  of  the  assaulting  columns. 

Heavy  artillery  firing  was  kept  up  during  the 
morning,  between  the  rebel  batteries  and  our  own, 
planted  along  the  edge  of  the  river.  The  siege  guns 
posted  on  Stafford  Heights  fired  repeatedly  on  the 
enemy's  works,  doing  good  execution.  One  of  the 
shells  exploded  a  rebel  caisson  at  the  redoubt  near 
the  stone-wall,  and  killed  ten  horses.  After  blowing 
up  the  caisson  it  struck  two  directly  behind,  and 
hurled  eight  others  down  the  steep  precipice  in  the 
rear  into  the  yawning  chasm  beneath.  They  pre 
sented  a  hideous  spectacle  as  they  lay  at  the  bottom, 
dead  and  dying. 

At  length,  as  the  City  Hall  clock  struck  eleven, 
came  the  order  for  the  charge,  and  the  lion-hearted 


UPPER  HEIGHTS. 
*    *    *    * 

Marye's  Heights.  Salem  Heights. 

*****  **** 

Rifle  Pits. 
*    *    * 

Stone- Wall. 
«*  *     *    * 

£*         33d  N.Y.    5th  Wis.    31st  N.Y.    7th  Mass.  81st  Pa. 
«»  **  **  **  **          ** 

77th  N.  Y.  7th  Maine.    6th  Maine.    34th  N:Y.    43d  N.  Y 

*    *     *    *  *     *     *          ***        *    *    *         *    *    * 

21st  N.  Jersey.  ^,   . , 

*****  a  _«j 

G  ~  *      Gibbons. 

ft*  o  £»  *      *      * 

Brooks.  g»  Reserve  Forces. 

***  tf»  ***#  ^IJ* 

^  •— 

Howes.  Newtons. 

*    *    *  *    *    * 

RAPPAHANNOCK  RIVER. 
Stafford  Heights. 


Diagram  Showing  Position  of  the  Storming  Column, 


296  AN   INSPIRING    SIGHT. 

men  rose  to  their  feet.  The  hundreds  of  spectators 
in  the  rear  held  their  breath  in  terrible  suspense, 
expecting  to  see  them  the  next  moment  prostrate  in 
the  dust.  "  Forward  ! "  cries  Gen.  Sedgwick,  and 
they  echelon  up  the  open  plain,  regardless  of  the 
frowning  batteries  which  vomit  grape  and  cannister 
upon  them.  Col.  Spear  drops  dead  from  his  horse, 
and  the  Sixty -first  Penn.,  at  the  right  of  the  Chan- 
cellorsville  road,  momentarily  recoils ;  but  the  Forty- 
third  New  York  comes  rapidly  to  the  rescue,  and 
the  columns  again  press  forward,  delivering  the 
battle  cheer,  which  is  heard  above  the  roar  of  artil 
lery  and  fierce  roll  of  musketry.  Three  hundred 
yards  are  passed,  one  hundred  more  will  bring  them 
to  the  stone-wall.  All  the  guns  along  the  crest  now 
concentrate  their  fire  on  the  plain.  Col.  Johns  falls, 
Col.  Newman  falls,  Major  Wheeler  falls  ;  Captains 
Gray,  Ballinger,  Irwin,  Burke  and  Knickerbocker  are 
dead ;  the  ground  comprised  within  the  focus  is 
strewn  with  the  bodies  of  the  slain.  But  there  is  no 
wavering,  and  in  a  moment  more  the  "  Slaughter- 
Pen"  is  ours.  The  Sixth  Maine  and  Thirty-first  New 
York  scale  the  wall,  bayonet  the  defenders,  dash  up 
the  crest,  and  amid  long  continued  shouts  and  cheers, 
turn  their  own  guns  upon  the  fleeing  enemy.  "What 
men  are  these,"  inquires  a  terrified  gunner,  as  our 
brave  boys  appear  upon  the  ramparts.  "We  are 
Yankees,—  - ;  do  you  think  we  will  fight  now  ?" 
is  the  response. 

Neill's  Brigade,  further  to  the  left,  has  likewise 
swarmed  over  the  wall,  and  now  unfurls  its  banners 
on  the  Heights. 


THE  EMEMY'B  WORKS  CARRIED.  297 

Only  part  of  the  work  is,  however,  done.  The  guns 
on  the  right  and  left  of  the  Chancellorsville  road 
have  been  stormed,  but  there  yet  remains  a  heavy 
battery  further  to  the  left,  which  is  now  turned  upon 
the  portion  of  the  works  occupied  by  us.  The 
Thirty-third  tarries  but  a  moment,  and  then  starts 
for  these  guns,  followed  by  the  remaining  Regiments 
of  the  Brigade.  Quickly  descending  to  the  ravine 
at  the  left,  they  double-quick  through  underbrush 
.and  obstructions  of  every  description,  cheered  on  and 
led  forward  by  the  Colonel,  Lieut.-Colonel,  Major 
and  Adjutant.  The  rebel  gunners  see  them  coming 
through. the  thicket,  and  depressing  their  guns,  rain 
down  a  tempest  of  cannister.  Captain  Root  falls, 
pierced  through  the  thigh ;  Capt.  Cole  is  prostrated 
by  a  minie ;  Lieut.  Byrne  lies  by  his  side  ;  seventy 
men  are  wounded  or  dead.  The  old  flag,  which 
waved  in  triumph  at  Williamsburg,  Golden's  Farm 
and  Antietam,  goes  down.  A  second  color-bearer 
seizes  the  banner  and  raises  it  on  high,  but  a  bullet 
quickly  lays  him  low.  Another  and  another  grasps 
the  standard,  until  six  have  been  shot  down,  when 
Sergeant  Vandecar  rushes  forward,  hoists  the  tattered 
banner  on  his  musket,  and  the  Regiment  presses  for 
ward.  As  they  emerge  from  the  wood  to  the  open 
ing,  tjiey  are  saluted  with  a  rapid  fire  from  the  rebel 
infantry  supports,  but  unmindful  of  the  deluge  of  iron 
hail,  they  push  on,  clamber  up  the  green  glacis, 
sweep  over  the  parapet,  and  capture  a  thirty-two 
pounder  at  a  bound.  Oh !  it  was  a  splendid  sight 
to  see  those  gallant  fellows  rush  boldly  up  to  the 


298          THE    MEN    HELD    BACK   WITH    DIFFICULTY. 

cannon's  mouth,  and  snatch  victory  from  the  jaws  of 
death. 

The  artillerists,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  who 
fled,  were  captured  or  killed.  The  supports  fell 
back  and  formed  in  line  of  battle.  A  squad  of  them, 
who  lagged  behind,  were  ordered  to  surrender.  They 
refused  to  do  so,  when  a  ball  from  the  musket  of 
Sergeant  Proudfoot  brought  one  of  them  to  the 
ground.  Again  they  were  ordered  to  halt,  and  again 
refusing,  Sergeant  Kane  killed  a  second.  A  third 
and  fourth  were  likewise  shot  down.  Having  form 
ed  in  line,  the  infantry  opened  a  heavy  fire  on  the 
Thirty-third,  also  drawn  up  in  line.  The  Seventh 
Maine  soon  came  up  to  its  support,  being  received 
with  loud  cheers,  and  formed  on  the  left.  The 
Twenty-first  New  Jersey  not  long  after  followed, 
and  the  rebels  were  put  to  flight. 

It  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  Col.  Tay 
lor  could  restrain  his  men  from  following.  Many  of 
them,  unmindful  of  the  orders  of  their  Captains, 
did  push  forward  in  the  pursuit,  killing  and  wound 
ing  several  of  the  fugitives.  The  Thirty-third's 
banner  was  unfurled  over  the  captured  redoubt,  and 
the  men  lay  down  to  rest  after  their  arduous  labors. 
Two  more  guns  were  taken  by  the  Regiments  of  the 
Brigade  further  to  the  left.  9 

This  part  of  the  enemy's  line  of  fortifications  con 
sisted  of  four  detached  earthworks,  very  strong  and 
inaccessible  to  infantry,  as  they  supposed,  on  account 
of  the  steepness  of  the  hill  and  dense  underbrush, 
which  intervened  between  it  and  the  city.  Lieut. 


CAPTURE   OF   COL.    LUCE   AND    ETI8    MEN.  301 

Col.  Coming's  horse — a  magnificent  animal — was 
shot  from  under  him,  as  he  was  fearlessly  charg 
ing  up  the  hill  with  the  Regiment.  While  passing 
through  the  woods  below,  Capt.  Draime  discov 
ered  a  party  of  rebels  a  short  way  off,  and  taking 
a  few  of  his  men  started  after  them.  He  returned 
after  the  redoubt  was  taken,  bringing  with  him 
Col.  Luce  of  the  Eighteenth  Mississippi,  and  one 
Captain,  four  Lieutenants  and  thirty-eight  privates, 
belonging  to  the  same  regiment.  Capt.  Tyler  nar 
rowly  escaped,  having  his  clothing  perforated  eleven 
different  times  with  bullets.  It  seemed  almost  a 
miracle  that  any  of  the  officers  or  men  could  have 
passed  through  such  a  fiery  ordeal  unscathed. 


11 


302      A  BLOODY  BATTLE  SUNDAY  EVENING. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 
BATTLES  OF  SALEM  HEIGHTS. 

AFTER  resting  for  a  brief  period  on  the  summit  of 
the  Heights,  the  Corps  pushed  rapidly  up  the  turn 
pike  leading  to  Chancellors  ville,  no  effort  being 
made  to  take  possession  of  the  still  higher  ridge  at 
the  left,  to  which  a  portion  of  the  enemy  had  re 
treated,  and  were  now  tossing  an  occasional  shell  at 
us.  The  country  presented  a  beautiful  appearance, 
with  its  green  meadows  and  vast  fields  of  cereals 
stretching  out  in  every  direction.  Gen.  Brooks' 
Division,  which  now  took  the  advance,  moved  rapidly 
forward,  but  instead  of  meeting  with  Hooker's 
pickets,  encountered  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy, 
about  four  miles  ahead,  near  Salem.  They  were 
concealed  in  a  forest,  into  which  our  infantry 
were  imprudently  advanced  before  it  was  shelled. 
The  rebels  immediately  rose  from  their  masked  posi 
tion,  and  delivered  a  murderous  fire.  Gen.  Brocks 
quickly  formed  his  men  in  line,  and  soon  became 
hotly  engaged.  While  the  conflict  was  at  its  height, 
a  body  of  the  enemy  suddenly  opened  upon  him 
from  the  left,  and  he  changed  front  to  meet  them. 
The  battle  now  became  very  sanguinary,  the  rebels 
rapidly  thinning  our  ranks  with  their  cross  fire. 


A    FATAL    BLUNDER.  303 

Darkness  came  to  our  relief  and  the  fighting  ceased, 
not,  however,  before  we  had  lost  twelve  hundred 
men.  Seven  hundred  of  this  number  belonged  to 
Bartlett's  Brigade — consisting  of  the  Twenty-seventh 
New  York,  among  other  Regiments, — who  fell  in 
twenty  minutes  time.  The  woods  afterwards  took 
fire  from  our  shells,  and  many  of  the  wounded 
belonging  to  both  parties  perished  in  the  flames. 

The  little  army  slept  soundly  that  night  after  the 
arduous  duties  of  the  day.  But  there  were  many 
officers  as  well  as  men  who  lay  down  to  rest  with 
serious  apprehensions  of  the  morrow.  No  troops 
had  been  thrown  forward  to  occupy  the  higher  ridge 
at  our  left.  What  should  prevent  the  enemy  from 
circling  round  under  cover  of  night  to  this  crest,  and 
descending  get  between  us  and  the  captured  but 
now  abandoned  Heights  in  the  rear? 

The  dawn  of  Monday  proved  how  well  grounded 
had  been  these  fears.  At  eight  o'clock  a  heavy  rebel 
column  was  observed  streaming  down  the  mountain 
side,  and  pushing  rapidly  for  Marye's  Heights.  Not 
a  picket  had  been  thrown  out  to  give  warning  of 
their  approach,  or  a  single  gun  to  sweep  the  gully 
through  which  they  had  to  pass.  A  scene  of  utmost 
confusion  now  ensued.  The  road  leading  from  the 
city  out  to  the  army  was  crowded  with  straggling 
soldiers,  going  on  to  rejoin  their  Regiments,  supply 
wagons,  ammunition  trains  and  ambulances  filled 
with  wounded  from  the  previous  evening's  fight. 
The  soldiers  scattered  through  the  fields  in  all  direc 
tions.  The  teamsters  and  ambulance  drivers  dar-hed 


304          THE  ENEMY  IN  OUR  REAR. 

furiously  into  the  city,  or  turned  back  to  the  army, 
thereby  escaping.  A  few,  losing  presence  of  mind, 
cut  their  horses  loose  from  the  wagons,  and, 
mounting  them,  rode  away,  in  hot  haste.  Gen.  Gib 
bon,  in  charge  of  the  city,  sent  up  one  or  two  Regi 
ments  left  with  him  as  a  patrol,  to  check  the  enemy. 
But  it  was  useless  for  them  to  attempt  doing  so,  and 
after  firing  three  or  four  rounds,  they  fled  out  to  the 
army.  The  rebels  now  pressed  forward  and  re-occu 
pied  the  Heights,  delivering  as  they  did  so,  one  of 
their  characteristic  yells,  so  much  resembling  a  wolf 
howl. 

After  resting  for  a  moment  they  were  deployed 
out  to  the  right  of  the  Heights,  and  forming  an 
extended  line,  swept  rapidly  up  after  the  Sixth 
Corps.  A  Union  battery,  planted  on  a  bluff  up  the 
river,  one  mile  from  the  city,  immediately  opened  a 
hot  fire  on  their  backs,  and  so  interfered  with  his 
plans  that  the  commanding  officer  was  content  to 
draw  in  his  forces  and  mass  them  around  the 
Heights. 

Fredericksburg,  as  well  as  Falmouth,  was  now  per 
fectly  defenceless,  all  the  troops  not  with  Sedgwick 
having  been  sent  up  to  the  support  of  Hooker,  and  a 
few  siege  guns  planted  on  Stafford  Heights,  com 
prising  almost  our  only  artillery.  The  enemy, 
had  they  known  it,  could  have  passed  down  into 
the  city  with  impunity,  paroled  our  fifteen  hundred 
wounded,  and  then,  seizing  our  pontoon-boats,  pushed 
over  the  river  and  captured  Gen.  Hooker's  headquar 
ters  and  the  immense  supplies  at  the  Falmouth  depot. 


FREDERICKSBURG    AND   FALMOUTH    DEFENCELESS.    305 

Why  they  did  not  at  least  descend  to  the  city  still 
remains  a  mystery.  Perhaps  they  were  intimidated 
by  the  show  of  resistance  made  by  a  few  stragglers, 
whom  some  wounded  officers  collected  about  the 
streets  and  posted  along  the  edge  of  the  city.  Capts. 
Root  and  Cole,  and  other  officers  in  the  hospital,  sent 
their  swords  and  equipments  over  the  river,  expecting 
to  be  made  prisoners.  As  the  day  advanced,  how 
ever,  and  the  enemy  did  not  come  down,  preparations 
were  made  for  transferring  the  wounded  to  the  oppo 
site  bank,  and  before  night  they  were  all  taken  over, 
together  with  the  materiel  of  wrar,  which  had  collec 
ted  there. 

The  Sixth  Corps  was  now  placed  in  a  most  critical 
position  by  this  coup-de-main  of  Gen.  Lee,  having  the 
enemy  in  front,  left  and  rear,  and  an  unfordable  river 
on  the  right.  No  wonder  that  Gen.  Butterh'eld, 
Chief-of-Staff,  when  he  rode  down  to  the  Falmouth 
side  of  the  river  and  comprehended  the  situation, 
remarked  to  Gen.  Fogliardi,  the  Swiss  General  who 
accompanied  him,  "  Sedgwick  has  gone  up."  That 
indomitable  hero,  however,  had  no  idea  of  "going 
up,"  but  immediately  set  about  rescuing  his  com 
mand  from  the  dilemma  in  which  Hooker  and  his 
Chief-of-Staff  had  placed  it.  Hooker  and  his  Chief- 
of-Staff,  we  say,  for  it  was  in  accordance  with  their 
orders  that  the  Sixth  Corps  had  been  pushed  on, 
regardless  of  the  higher  ridge  at  the  left. 

The  diagram  on  the  opposite  page  represents  the 
positions  of  the  different  forces  of  both  armies  as 
they  then  were. 


ROAD  TO  CHANCELLORSVILLB. 


s:  «•  <•  S-  *:    :  I: 

o«  »1 


fc 


!• 


ROAD. 
*    * 


THE    SIXTH    CORPS    SURROUNDED.  307 

First  on  the  west  our  main  army,  then  Lee's  main 
army,  then  the  Sixth  Corps,  then  a  rebel  Corps,  and 
then  our  siege  guns,  planted  on  the  east  side  of  the 
river — a  most  extraordinary  sandwiching  of  oppo 
sing  forces  together. 

Instead  of  attempting  to  cut  his  way  through  to 
Hooker  in  front,  or  Fredericksburg  in  the  rear,  Gen. 
Sedgwick  drew  back  Brook's  Division,  still  in  the 
advance,  and  arranging  his  army  in  the  form  of  an 
arc,  fronting  towards  the  enemy,  gradually  contrac 
ted  the  lines  until  the  wings  extended  nearly  to  the 
river.  By  this  movement  the  rebels  were  thrown  out 
of  the  rear  to  his  left  front.  The  lines  continued  to 
stretch  out  towards  the  river,  until  they  enclosed 
Banks'  Ford,  six  miles  above  the  city,  over  which 
communication  was  immediately  established  with 
Falmouth,  and  Gen.  Sedgwick  sent  for  supplies. 
The  announcement  of  this  fact  dispelled  much  of  the 
gloom  prevailing  at  headquarters,  for  it  was  then 
known  that  if  the  Corps  could  hold  out  until  night 
it  would  be  able  to  draw  back  to  the  ford,  under  cover 
of  darkness,  and  escape. 

At  daybreak,  the  Thirty-third,  together  with  three 
other  Regiments  of  Gen.  Keill's  Brigade,  had  been 
sent  out  to  attack  a  body  of  rebels  who  appeared  on 
the  higher  ridge,  some  distance  further  on  from  the 
point  where  they  finally  descended.  After  a  spirited 
fight,  the  enemy  were  put  to  flight.  The  Regi 
ment  had  now  returned,  and  was  posted  on  the  left 
curvature  of  the  arc  formed  by  Sedgwick,  about  one 
mile  from  the  Heights,  and  near  the  road  leading 


308 

from  the  city.  Occupying  a  commanding  position, 
and  being  so  near,  they  could  perceive  all  the  opera 
tions  of  the  flanking  force,  which  numbered  twenty- 
five  thousand.  The  reader  can  imagine  their  feel 
ings  at  seeing  the  Heights  which  they  had  so 
gallantly  stormed  on  the  day  previous,  now  reoccupied 
by  the  enemy.  After  being  arranged  in  line  of  battle, 
the  men  amused  themselves  by  firing  at  the  rebel 
skirmishers,  who  crept  up  behind  the  trees  and 
fences  to  reconnoitre  our  position.  Several  were 
killed  in  this  manner.  Lieutenant  Carter,  seizing  a 
musket  from  the  hands  of  one  of  his  men,  brought 
down  a  general  officer,  who  persisted  in  recklessly 
riding  out  in  front  of  the  line. 

As  the  morning  advanced,  members  of  the  Regi 
ment  proceeded  out  on  the  road,  and  brought  in  one 
of  the.  wagons  abandoned  by  the  teamsters,  which 
proved  to  be  well  stocked  with  delicacies  for  a 
General  and  his  Staff.  This  was  a  rich  prize  for  the 
men,  who,  now  having  subsisted  for  six  days  on  the 
scanty  contents  of  their  haversacks,  were  as  eager 
for  food  as  the  famished  Arab  in  the  desert,  who, 
discovering  a  bag  of  gold,  mourned  that  it  did  not 
contain  dates. 

Towards  noon  a  Brigade  of  rebels  charged  upon 
the  earthworks  thrown  up  in  front  of  the  Brigade, 
but  were  handsomely  repulsed,  and  two  hundred  of 
them  made  prisoners,  by  a  counter  charge. 

Our  forces  remained  in  two  lines  of  battle,  expect 
ing  every  moment  a  fierce  onslaught  from  various 
points.  But  the  day  wore  away  without  an  attack, 


BATTLE   OF   MONDAY    EVENING.  309 

and  the  men  were  beginning  to  think  that  none 
would  be  made,  when  suddenly,  about  four  o'clock, 
a  heavy  column  of  reinforcements  for  the  enemy 
were  observed  descending  the  upper  ridge.  This 
meant  battle.  Imagine  a  semi-circle  within  a  semi 
circle,  and  you  have  the  relative  positions  of  the 
opposing  forces  at  that  time. 

An  hour  later,  the  rebel  hordes  rose  quickly  from 
the  Heights  where  they  had  lain  all  day,  and  rush 
ing  forward  with  cheers  and  yells,  precipitated  them 
selves  upon  our  line.  At  the  same  moment  the  siege 
guns  at  Falmouth  opened  a  fire  on  their  rear.  Gen. 
Neill's  Brigade,  being  the  nearest  to  them,  bore  the 
brunt  of  the  attack,  and  though  assaulted  by  over 
powering  numbers,  maintained  its  position  and 
repulsed  the  enemy.  One  Regiment,  the  same  which 
broke  at  White-Oak  Swamp,  gave  way,  thereby 
bringing  a  destructive  cross  fire  upon  the  Thirty- 
third.  As  the  rebels  fell  back  in  disorder  through 
the  fields,  it  was  only  by  the  greatest  exertions  that 
Col.  Taylor  could  restrain  his  men  from  following. 
A  few  squads  did  rush  forward  and  secured  several 
prisoners. 

But  unmindful  of  the  havoc  made  in  their  ranks, 
the  enemy  again  pressed  on,  determined  to  crush 
the  Brigade.  At  the  same  time  they  attacked  other 
points  in  the  extended  arc,  and  Gen.  Neill,  seeing 
that  there  was  imminent  danger  of  his  position  being 
turned,  fell  back,  not,  however,  before  having 
incurred  a  loss  of  one  thousand  men.  Gen.  Sedg- 
wick  now  gave  instructions  for  the  entire  lines  to 
HA 


310       HAVOC  MADE  BY  OUR  ARTILLERY. 

recede,  in  accordance  with  the  plan  which  he  had 
previously  decided  upon,  viz :  to  slowly  fall  back 
fighting  to  the  river,  until  darkness  should  come  on. 
As  the  lines  drew  back,  the  enemy  steadily  pursued, 
a  vigorous  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery  being  kept 
up  on  both  sides.  Our  batteries  literally  mowed 
the  pursuers  down,  as  they  repeatedly  charged  upon 
them  in  solid  columns.  The  gunners  reserved  their 
fire  until  the  charging  forces  came  within  a  few 
rods,  and  then  poured  the  grape  and  cannister  into 
them  at  a  fearful  rate.  Having  broken  the  columns, 
they  would  fall  back  to  new  positions,  and  again 
resist  their  approach. 

In  this  manner  the  retreat  was  conducted  most 
successfully,  though  not  without  great  loss.  The 
Thirty-third,  which  suffered  severely  at  the  outset, 
likewise  lost  many  men  in  falling  back,  including 
Lieuts.  Porter  and  Rossiter.  While  scaling  a  fence  at 
one  time,  which  through  some  culpable  negligence 
had  been  left  standing,  several  were  killed  and 
wounded.  Gen.  jSeill  being  stunned  by  the  falling  of 
his  wounded  horse,  Col.  Taylor  temporarily  took 
command  of  the  Brigade. 

To  assume  command  of  a  Brigade  in  the  confu 
sion  of  a  retreat,  when  the  enemy  was  pressing  on 
all  sides,  was  a  most  hazardous  undertaking.  Col. 
Taylor,  however,  did  not  shrink  from  the  responsi 
bility,  and  with  the  assistance  of  the  Major  of  the 
Seventh  Maine,  who  stepped  forward  when  he  called 
for  volunteer  Aids,  soon  arranged  the  Regiments  in 
proper  line. 


ESCAPE  OF  THE  COEP8.          313 

Darkness  closed  upon  the  combatants  and  pre 
vented  further  pursuit  by  the  enemy,  though 
skirmishing  continued  for  hours  afterwards.  Never 
h^d  men  watched  more  eagerly  for  the  going  down 
of  the  sun,  and  now  that  night  had  spread  her  sable 
mantle  over  the  scene,  great  was  the  sense  of  relief 
experienced. 

But  the  joy  at  their  deliverance  is  suddenly  dis 
pelled  by  a  report  that  the  bridges  thrown  over  the 
river  at  Banks'  Ford  have  been  destroyed,  and  thus 
the  way  of  retreat  cut  off.  During  the  afternoon 
the  enemy  between  us  and  Hooker  had  succeeded  in 
planting  several  guns  near  the  ford,  and  kept 
pounding  away  at  the  bridges  for  hours.  One  of 
them  was  seriously  injured,  but  before  they  could 
complete  its  destruction,  batteries  were  got  into 
position  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  drove 
them  away.  Happily,  then,  this  rumor  was  without 
foundation. 

The  scenes  of  that  night  vividly  recalled  the 
memories  of  the  seven  days'  retreat  on  the  Penin 
sula.  Though  no  panic  prevailed,  there  was  the 
utmost  confusion.  Owing  to  the  darkness  and  the 
large  number  of  wounded,  and  immense  amount  of 
war  materiel  which  had  to  be  conveyed  over,  many 
of  the  wounded  were  left  where  they  fell  during  the 
battle,  it  being  impossible  to  bring  them  away.  This 
was  the  case  with  most  of  those  belonging  to  the 
Thirty-third.  Lieut.  Rossiter  died  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  By  morning  the  entire  Corps  was  safely 
over,  and  encamped  along  the  flats  on  the  opposite 


314  RE-CROSSING    OF   THE   RIGHT   WING. 

side.  The  Thirty-third  crossed  the  bridge  about  8 
o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  next  morning  the  rebels  commenced  shelling 
the  troops  from  the  west  bank,  which  caused  thein 
to  draw  back  immediately  from  the  river.  Brooks' 
and  Newton's  Divisions  moved  a  few  miles  to  the 
northward,  Howe's  remaining  in  the  vicinity.  Dur 
ing  the  following  night  the  main  army  re-crossed 
above,  under  cover  of  a  fierce  storm.  Wednesday 
and  Thursday  were  spent  in  getting  back  to  Fal- 
mouth.  Howe's  Division  returned  to  White-Oak 
Church  during  Friday,  now  for  the  third  time. 

The  Thirty-third  encamped  in  a  field  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  its  former  position.  It  was 
a  sad  sight,  those  thin  and  decimated  ranks ;  of  five 
hundred  and  fifty  brave  men,  who  two  weeks  before 
marched  out  to  meet  the  enemy,  less  than  three 
hundred  now  returned. 


GEN.  STONEMAN'S  EXPEDITION  SUCCESSFUL.      315 


CHAPTEK  XXXIIL 

Qen.  Stoneman's  Expedition  Successful. — Reasons  for  the  Cam 
paign  proving  a  Failure. — Death  of  Jackson. — His  Character. — 
Gk-n.  Neill's  Report. 

GEN.  STONEMAN  fully  accomplished  the  object  of 
his  expedition  by  destroying  the  railroad  bridge,  but 
owing  to  the  defeat  of  the  army,  no  material  advan 
tage  resulted  from  his  labors. 

So  terminated  the  second  bloody  campaign  of  the 
Rappahannock.  The  reader  who  has  followed 
us  through  the  various  operations,  will  readily  fix 
upon  two  main  circumstances,  as  contributing  to  our 
defeat — the  breaking  of  the  Eleventh  Corps  at  Chan- 
cellorsville,  and  the  failure  to  take  possession  of  the 
upper  range  of  hills  at  the  left  of  Fredericksburg. 
Gen.  Hooker  had  succeeded  admirably  in  getting 
the  main  portion  of  the  army  in  the  rear  of  the 
enemy.  He  had  chosen  a  good  position,  and  skil 
fully  posted  his  troops.  All  was  going  well  until 
the  giving  away  of  the  Eleventh  Corps  let  Jackson, 
with  forty  thousand  men,  upon  his  right  flank.  He  was 
thenceforward  compelled  to  act  upon  the  defensive. 
Sedgwick  was  now  brought  forward  upon  the  board, 
and  assigned  the  duty  of  restoring,  at  least,  equilib 
rium  to  the  contest,  by  a  bold,  fearless  move.  If 
unsuccessful,  the  entire  army  must  rapidly  retreat 


316  CAUSES  OF  OUR  DEFEAT. 

across  the  Rappahannock.  If  successful,  the  for 
tunes  of  the  campaign  would  be  retrieved,  and  Lee 
ground  to  atoms  between  the  upper  and  nether  mill 
stone,  or  forced  to  "  ingloriously  fly"  towards  Rich 
mond.  The  Heights  were  victoriously  stormed,  and 
all  was  well  with  Sedgwick.  But  now  comes  the 
terrible  blunder  which  decides  the  contest,  the  neg 
lect  to  occupy  the  upper  ridge. 

If,  says  Victor  Hugo,  Bulow,  Blucher's  Lieutenant, 
had  debouched  from  the  forest  above  Freschemont, 
instead  of  pursuing  the  route  he  did,  the  form  of  the 
nineteenth  century  would  have  been  different.  If 
Sedgwick  had  debouched  from  the  Heights  above 
Fredericksburg  to  the  ridge  at  the  left,  instead  of 
pushing  on  towards  Chancellorsville,  the  enemy 
would  have  been  hemmed  in,  and  the  bloody  battle 
of  Gettysburg  never  have  been  fought ;  or  if  a  single 
battery  of  heavy  guns  had  been  left  to  command 
the  road  leading  down  from  the  ridge  and  the  ravine 
through  which  the  flanking  force  had  to  pass,  in 
order  to  reach  Marye's  Heights,  the  tables  would  not 
have  been  turned,  and  Sedgwick  instead  of  Lee  com 
pelled  to  fight  one  way  and  face  another. 

Our  losses  during  the  seven  days'  campaign  were 
not  far  from  sixteen  thousand,  or  four  thousand 
more  than  those  incurred  in  the  December  struggle. 
Of  this  number,  more  than  five  thousand  came  from 
the  Sixth  Army  Corps. 

The  casualties  of  the  enemy  amounted  to  not  far 
from  twelve  thousand.  In  the  death  of  Jackson  they 
suffered  an  irreparable  loss.  Better,  said  one  of  the 


LOSSES — DEATH   OF  JACKSON.  317 

Richmond  papers  soon  afterwards,  that  a  whole 
Army  Corps  should  have  gone  down  than  the  brave 
Stonewall.  The  true  circumstances  of  his  death 
have  never  been  published.  On  Saturday  evening 
he  proceeded  out  on  the  turnpike  leading  from  Chan- 
cellorsville,  to  examine  his  lines.  Instead  of  riding 
alone,  as  was  frequently  his  habit  on  such  occasions, 
he  was  accompanied  by  most  of  his  staff  and  several 
orderlies.  A  squad  of  the  First  North  Carolina 
Regiment  had,  in  the  meantime,  been  posted  across 
the  road  by  a  Division  General,  to  intercept  a  body 
of  our  cavalry,  which  he  learned  was  on  a  reconnois- 
sance.  Mistaking  Jackson  and  his  aids  in  the  dark 
for  the  Union  troopers,  they  all  fired  as  he  drew  near, 
killing  the  aids,  wounding  two  orderlies  and  sending 
one  bullet  through  Jackson's  right  hand,  and  another 
through  his  left  arm.  He  died  six  days  afterwards, 
from  the  effects  of  these  wounds. 

The  various  statements  which  have  appeared  from 
time  to  time  concerning  his  piety  have  not  been 
exaggerated.  He  was  a  decidedly  spiritual  rebel. 
While  located  at  Harper's  Ferry  and  Winchester, 
during  the  earlier  months  of  the  war,  he  led  the 
Union  Prayer  Meetings,  and  those  of  the  Presby 
terian  Church,  of  which  he  was  a  Deacon. 

There  is  not  wanting  evidence  to  prove  that  he 
held,  at  the  outset,  serious  doubts  as  to  the  justice  of 
the  insurrection  or  rebellion.  Some  of  the  readers 
may  re-call  the  following  incident,  given  to  the  public 
last  August.  It  was  related  to  us  by  a  clergyman, 
who  received  it  from  the  lips  of  the  divine  refer 
red  to. 


318 

Dr.  J ,  a  prominent  Presbyterian  divine  of 

New  York,  who  was  closely  related  to  Stonewall, 
being  in  Central  Virginia  just  prior  to  his  rapid 
march  on  Banks,  spent  the  night  with  him  and 
attempted  to  convince  him  of  his  error  in  regard  to 
the  States-rights  doctrine.  At  the  General's  request 
they  devoted  some  two  hours  to  prayer,  Jackson 
praying  long  and  earnestly.  When  they  rose  from 
their  knees  his  eyes  were  suffused  with  tears,  and  in 
a  repentant  voice  he  remarked  :  "Whatever  Virginia 
decides  to  do,  I  will  do.  If  to  return  to  the  Union, 
I  will  fight  for  the  Union."  Not  a  week  elapsed 

before  Dr.  J heard  of  his  relative  thundering  up 

through  the  Shenandoah  in  hot  pursuit  of  Banks. 
The  States-rights  heresy  has  compassed  the  ruin  of 
many  gifted  and  brave  men. 

The  following  is  General  Neill's  report  of  the  part 
borne  by  his  Brigade  in  the  campaign. 

HEADQUARTERS  THIRD  BRIGADE,    ) 
NEAR  FREDERICKSBURG,  VA., 

May  7th,  1863.      )' 

I  have  the  honor  to  report,  for  the  information 
of  the  General  Commanding  the  Division,  that  on 
the  night  of  May  2nd,  1863,  in  obedience  to  orders, 
1  led  my  Brigade  across  the  pontoon  bridge  at 
Mansfield  on  the  Rappahannock,  about  three-fourths 
of  a  mile  below  Fredericksburg,  posting  two  Regi 
ments,  the  Thirty-third  and  Forty-ninth  New  York, 
as  pickets,  in  front  of  the  enemy.  At  12  o'clock, 
midnight,  my  Brigade  was  ordered  to  march  along 
the  "  Bowling  Green"  road  towards  Fredericksburg. 


319 


Whilst  waiting  to  get  the  road,  the  enemy  attacked 
the  left  of  my  picket  line,  held  by  the  Forty-ninth 
New  York.  The  Forty-ninth  repulsed  them,  and 
held  their  ground. 

On  the  morning  of  the  third,  Sunday,  at  about  10 
o'clock,  I  was  ordered  to  form  three  Regiments  as  the 
advance  of  a  column  of  assault  against  the  Heights 
on  Marye's  Hill,  back  of  Fredericksburg.  I  led  the 
Thirty-third  New  York,  Twenty-first  New  Jersey, 
and  Seventh  Maine  Yolunteers,  preceded  by  the 
Seventy-seventh  New  York,  who  were  acting  as 
skirmishers,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  shot  and  shell. 
Before  reaching  the  batteries  on  the  hill  against 
which  we  were  directed,  I  found  they  had  already 
been  taken  by  our  troops  on  our  right,  and  I  directed 
the  attack  against  the  batteries  on  the  hills  to  our 
left,  along  the  Richmond  road.  We  took  in  succes 
sion  four  distinct  detached  earth-works  of  strong 
profile.  We  captured  three  pieces  of  artillery —  two 
long  brass  guns  and  one  short  howitzer  —  and  one 
stand  of  colors,  belonging  to  the  Eighteenth  Missis 
sippi  Regiment,  after  which  we  marched  to  assist  in 
repelling  an  attack  of  the  enemy  along  the  Chancel- 
lorsville  road. 

On  the  morning  of  the  fourth  of  May,  the  enemy 
attempted  to  turn  our  rear,  when  I  led  four  Regi 
ments  of  my  Brigade  back  towards  Fredericksburg, 
and  checked  them.  I  must  not  omit  to  mention, 
on  the  morning  of  the  fourth  a  Brigade  of  rebels 
advanced  to  take  an  earthwork  near  the  Plank 
Road,  which  was  then  occupied  by  our  troops; 


320  CONDUCT   OF   HIS   REGIMENTS. 

when  two  companies  of  the  Forty-ninth  New  York, 
and  one  company  of  the  Seventh  Maine,  supported 
by  the  Forty-ninth  New  York,  in  conjunction  with 
two  pieces  of  Lieutenant  Martin's  battery,  entirely 
routed  the  whole  Brigade  and  the  three  companies 
of  infantry  aforementioned,  captured  200  prisoners, 
and  the  colors  of  a  rebel  regiment,  the  Fifty-eighth 
Virginia. 

On  the  evening  of  the  fourth  of  May,  about 
5  o'clock,  the  whole  of  Longstreet's  Corps  came 
up  the  Richmond  Road,  as  reinforcements,  attacking 
my  right  and  front,  massing  large  numbers  of  his 
infantry  in  the  ravines  which  were  held  by  their 
troops.  After  losing  about  one  thousand  men,  I 
was  obliged  to  retire,  my  Regiments  being  unable  to 
cope  with  the  overpowering  numbers  of  the  enemy, 
and  fearful,  lest  in  the  position  I  then  held,  they 
would  be  captured  by  the  enemy  piercing  our  lines 
in  rear,  between  us  and  "  Banks'  Ford."  In  the 
assault,  the  Twentieth  New  York  Volunteers  broke 
and  went  to  the  rear.  I  could  not  rally  them.  The 
other  Regiments  stood  their  ground  nobly,  under  a 
murderous  fire,  and  by  their  stubborn  resistance 
at  that  time,  I  believe  the  Sixth  Corps  was  enabled 
to  eventually  re-cross  the  Rapahannock  at  Banks' 
Ford,  in  the  night. 

Colonel  Van  Houten,  Twenty-first  New  Jersey 
Volunteers,  was  wounded  on  the  field  of  the  battle, 
and  I  regret  to  say,  died  a  prisoner  in  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  from  wounds  received  in  battle. 

I  cannot  close  my  report  without  making  free  and 


HONORABLE    MENTIONS.  321 

sincere  acknowledgments  to  the  brave  officers  and 
men  of  the  various  Regiments  of  my  command,  who 
encountered  the  enemy  at  these  two  different  battles ; 
and  would  especially  mention  the  great  assistance 
rendered  by  the  gallant  efforts  of  my  Assistant 
Adjutant  General,  Captain  Win.  H.  Long,  of  the 
Assistant  Inspector  General,  Lieutenant  Pryce  W. 
Bailey,  Thirty-third  New  York  Volunteers;  and 
of  Lieutenants  Wm.  H.  Alberts  and  Horace  Binney, 
my  Aids-de-Camp.  The  horses  of  both  my  Aids, 
and  my  own,  were  shot. 

With  great  respect, 

THOMAS  H.  NEILL, 
Brigadier  General. 


322  GOING    HOME. 


CHAPTER  XXXIY. 

Departure  for  Home. —  Orations  at  Geneva  and  Canandagiua. 

Tuesday,  May  12th,  Colonel  Taylor  brought  the 
welcome  intelligence  to  the  Regiment,  that  they 
were  to  go  home  on  the  coming  Friday.  The  order 
for  their  departure  was  accompanied  by  the  follow 
ing  addresses  from  the  Corps,  Division,  and  Brigade 
Generals. 

HEADQUAKTEKS  SIXTH  AKMY  CORPS,  ) 
May  13,  1863.          ( 
Special  Order  No.  120. 

5.  The  term  of  service  of  the  Thirty- third  New 
York  Yolunteers  having  expired,  they  will  proceed 
at  once  to  Elmira,  New  York,  the  place  of  enrol 
ment,  where  they  will  be  mustered  out  of  the  service. 
Upon  their  arrival  there,  their  arms,  equipments 
and  public  property  will  be  turned  in  to  the  proper 
officers.  The  Quartermaster's  Department  will  fur 
nish  transportation  from  Falmouth. 

The  General  commanding  the  Corps  congratulates 
the  officers  and  men  of  the  Thirty-third  New  York 
Yolunteers  upon  their  honorable  return  to  civil  life. 
They  have  enjoyed  the  respect  and  confidence  of 
their  companions  and  commanders;  they  have 
illustrated  their  term  of  service  by  gallant  deeds, 


CONGRATULATORY    ADDRESS.  323 

and  have  won   for  themselves   a    reputation    not 
surpassed  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  have 
nobly  earned  the  gratitude  of  the  Republic. 
By  Command  of 

MAJOR  GENERAL  SEDGWICK. 
(Signed,)  M.  T.  MCMAHON, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  SECOND  DIVISION,      ) 
SIXTH  CORPS,  May  14th,  1863.    ) 

General  Orders  No.  26. 

By  the  rules  of  enlistment,  the  term  of  service  of 
the  Thirty-third  Regiment  New  York  Volunteers 
expires  to-day,  and  they  are  entitled  to  an  honorable 
discharge  from  the  service  of  the  United  States. 
Yet  the  General  Commanding  the  Division  cannot 
let  this  Regiment  depart  without  expressing  his 
regret  at  their  leaving,  and  hopes  that  they  will 
speedily  re-organize  and  join  this  command,  to  serve 
their  country  once  more  and  to  the  end  of  this  war, 
with  the  same  spirit  as  they  have  served  for  the  last 
two  years.  To  say  that  this  Regiment,  in  camp,  on 
the  inarch,  and  in  all  the  many  hard  battles  in  which 
they  were  engaged,  have  done  their  duty  and  behaved 
gallantly,  is  but  a  weak  expression  of  the  acknowl 
edgment  of  their  good  services.  They  have  earned 
for  themselves  the  approbation  and  confidence  of 


324  ASSEMBLING  OF  THE   RECRUITS. 

their  Commanders,  and  fully  deserve  the  gratitude 
of  their  country.     By  order  of 

BKIGADIEB-GENERAL    HOWE. 
CHARLES  MUNDEE, 

Major  and  A.  A.  G. 


HEADQUARTERS  THIRD  BRIGADE,  SECOND  i 

DIVISION,  SIXTH  ARMY  CORPS,      > 

May  14th,  1863.  ) 

Thte  Brigadier  General  Commanding  the  Third 
Brigade,  cannot  part  with  the  Thirty-third  New 
York  Volunteers,  without  expressing  to  the  officers 
and  men  of  that  gallant  Regiment,  who  have  fought 
under  his  eye  and  command  with  so  much  honor 
and  distinction,  his  regret  at  our  separation,  his  well 
wishes  for  your  future. 

No  words  can  express  what  you  all  must  feel— 
the  sense  of  having  fought  nobly  for  our  country, 
and  suffered  bravely  for  the  cause.  The  memory  of 
those  who  have  fallen  is  tenderly  cherished,  and 
your  Brigade  Commander  bids  you  "  God  Speed"  in 
anything  you  may  undertake  in  the  future. 

Sincerely, 
BRIG.  GEN.  THOMAS  H.  NEILL, 

Commanding  Third  Brigade. 


On  the  evening  before  departure,  Colonel  Taylor 
assembled  the  recruits,  numbering  one  hundred  and 
sixty-three,  who  having  enlisted  for  three  years, 


FAREWELL   TO    VIRGINIA.  325 

were  to  be  left,  and  addressed  them  a  few  words 
of  parting ;  expressing  his  regret  that  they  were  not 
to  accompany  the  Regiment  home ;  urging  them 
to  conduct  themselves  in  the  future,  gallantly,  as 
they  had  done  in  the  past;  and  informing  them 
that  their  officers  and  comrades,  though  absent  in 
body,  would  be  present  with  them  in  spirit.  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Corning  followed  with  a  brief  address. 
They  were  formed  into  one  Company,  and  attached, 
under  Captain  Gifibrd,  to  the  Forty-ninth  J^ew 
York. 

Early  Friday  morning,  the  Eegiment  proceeded  to 
Brooks'  Station.  Just  before  leaving  the  camp,  the 
Seventh  Maine,  which  had  been  intimately  associa 
ted  with  the  Thirty-third  during  its  entire  campaign, 
appeared  in  a  body,  and  presented  their  adieus. 

Leaving  Brook's  Station  at  9  o'clock,  they  reach 
ed  Acquia  Landing,  and  embarking  on  board  a 
small  steamer,  an  hour  later,  arrived  at  Wash 
ington  about  4  o'clock  P.  M.  The  men  were 
quartered  in  barracks  until  the  following  day,  when 
they  left  at  noon  on  a  special  train  for  Elmira, 
reaching  that  city  at  4  o'clock  on  Sunday  after 
noon. 

The  Regiment  remained  here  until  the  following 
Saturday,  when  it  departed  for  Geneva,  to  receive  a 
magnificent  welcome,  tendered  by  the  citizens  of  that 
village.  As  the  little  steamer  conveying  the  men 
hove  in  sight,  they  were  greeted  with  the  thunder 
of  artillery,  mingled  with  the  chimes  of  the  various 
church  bells,  and,  on  disembarking  at  the  wharf, 
15 


326  RECEPTION     AT    GENEVA. 

were  met  by  the  village  authorities,  and  a  large 
deputation  of  citizens.  After  a  few  moments  spent 
in  congratulation,  the  Regiment  formed  in  pro 
cession,  and  marched  through  the  principal  streets 
to  the  park,  where  the  following  address  was  listen 
ed  to  from  Hon.  CHARLES  J.  FOLGER  : 

Colonel    Taylor,   and    Officers    and    Men   of   the 

Thirty-third  Regiment : 

There  has  fallen  to  me  the  pleasant  duty  of  ten 
dering  to  you  a  welcome  home  again.  In  behalf  of 
the  community  from  which  you  went  forth,  I  offer 
you  a  hearty  and  an  overflowing  welcome  back  from 
your  service  as  soldiers. 

But  it  does  not  seem  to  us  that  you  are  the  same 
men  from  whom  we  parted.  It  is  now  two  years 
since  we  saw  you,  some  of  you,  leave  this  shore, 
young  volunteers,  familiar  only  with  the  ways  of 
happy  homes  and  a  peaceful  community,  and  now 
you  return  to  us  bronzed  and  scarred  veterans, 
conversant  with  all  the  rude  alarms  of  war,  having 
looked  death  steadily  in  the  face  in  many  a  well- 
contested  field  of  strife,  and  having  won  for  your 
selves  an  ample  soldierly  reputation. 

Two  years  ago,  I  said !  It  seems,  as  we  look 
back,  but  a  little  space,  yet  how  full  that  time  has 
been  crowded  with  stirring  incidents  and  exciting 
events.  And  to  none  more  than  to  you  have  come 
those  events  and  those  incidents.  Of  what  we  have 
only  read  or  heard  with  but  a  dull  ear,  of  that 
you  have  been  a  great  part,  and  have  looked 


THE    MOTHER   OF    COUNTIES.  327 

upon  with  courageous  eyes.  We  can  scarcely  name 
a  battle  in  the  long  catalogue  which  tells  of  the 
acts  and  achievements  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
in  which  the  Thirty-third  Regiment  has  not  borne  a 
part,  and  borne  it  valiantly  and  well. 

Raised,  as  you  for  the  most  part  were,  in  that  di&- 
trict  of  country  which  once  fell  within  the  limits  of 
old  Ontario  County,  you  went  forth  with  the  name 
of  the  Ontario  Regiment,  and  that  fact  has  always 
endeared  you  to  us  in  this  immediate  region.  You 
were  christened  after  our  County.  It  is  a  proud 
old  name,  for  Ontario  is  the  mother  of  Counties  not 
only,  but  the  Mother  of  MEN  as  well.  And  we  felt 
proud  of  you,  for  we  were,  and  are,  proud  of  the 
name :  and  we  were  jealous  of  it,  too ;  jealous  that 
it  should  take  no  tarnish  in  your  hands.  But  as 
report  after  report  came  back  to  us  of  your  good 
behavior  ;  of  your  courage  and  steadiness  ;  of  your 
fiery  valor ;  our  jealousy  was  gone,  lost,  merged  in 
a  sense  of  swelling  pride,  that  the  noble  old  name  of 
Ontario  had  been  so  well  bestowed,  and  that  not 
only  it  took  no  stain,  but 'that  it  received  an  addi 
tional  and  higher  lustre  and  great  glory  from  the 
soldiers  of  the  Thirty-third. 

And  you  may  be  sure  that  when  the  news  came  of 
battles  fought,  and  the  papers  told  us  of  our  troops 
in  action,  there  was  a  speedy  search  here  for  the ' 
name  and  exploits  of  the  Thirty-third,  and  an  eager 
community  was  interested  in  its  sufferings  and  in 
its  achievements,  and  never,  never  pained  by  its 
defaults,  or  by  its  individual  disasters. 


THE   TWO    THEBES. 

And  so  as  time  went  on,  though  you  may  not 
have  noticed  it,  the  Regiment  which  went  out  as 
the  Ontario  Regiment,  came  to  be  called  the  Thirty- 
third,  or  Ontario  Regiment.  And  then,  and  not  long 
after,  naught  else  but  the  Thirty-third,  and  that  was 
a  sufficient  and  an  individual  designation,  for  you 
had  made  the  "  two  threes"  famous  throughout  the 
army  and  the  country  ;  and  you  needed  no  appella 
tion  of  distinction,  save  your  own  name,  the  gallant 

Thirty-third—"  Taylor's  Fighting  I) *."  And 

all  this  has  been  due  to,  and  resultant  from,  the  good 
qualities  and  spirit  of  the  men,  encouraged  and 
trained,  and  brought  up  by  the  labors  and  example 
of  the  officers. 

We  owe  you  many  thanks ;  we  offer  them  to  you, 
now  that  you  have  so  well,  so  eminently,  glorified 
this  community,  whose  geographical  name  you  have 
borne. 

I  just  said  that  we  traced  the  papers  after  a  battle, 
and  looked  for  mention  of  the  Thirty-third  and  its 
deeds ;  and  then  the  days  after,  when  came  the  long 
and  sorrowful  list  of  casualties,  with  what  tremor  and 
apprehension  we  looked  again  for  the  beloved  num 
ber,  33.  For  well  we  knew,  that  where  all  were  so 
brave  in  battle,  some  must  have  met  Death  and 
yielded  to  his  power.  And  we  cannot  now  look  upon 
your  thinned  ranks  and  diminished  numbers  without 
missing  from  them  some  well-remembered  faces, 
very  dear  to  many  among  us.  Nor  without  feeling 
that  a  great  and  awful  sacrifice  had  been  made  for  a 
great  and  righteous  cause.  And  more  especially  was 


THE  JUSTNESS   OF   OUR  CAUSE.  329 

this  the  case,  when  the  report  came  of  the  last  con 
flict  upon  the  Rappahannock,  so  glorious  and  yet  so 
fatal  to  your  Regiment.  When  here  at  home  all  was 
buoyant  expectation  of  your  soon  return,  even  then 
announced,  it  was  sad  and  sorrowful  indeed,  to  read 
and  know  that  there  was  no  return  for,  alas !  too 
many. 

Yet  it  is  a  consolation  that  the  sacrifice  so  costly 
has  been  made  for  a  cause,  precious  above  price,  for 
the  defence  of  constitutional  and  legitimate  Govern 
ment,  against  the  assaults  of  a  hateful  and  hated 
rebellion  in  arms.  And  there  is  the  further  consola 
tion,  that  no  one  who  has  been  taken  from  your 
ranks  has  died  the  death  of  a  traitor  or  of  a  desert 
er,  or  as  a  coward  running  from  the  fate  which 
overtook  him  ;  but  that  loyally,  manfully,  gallantly, 
all  have  stood  with  their  comrades,  and  have  met 
their  destiny  as  a  true  soldier  loves  to  meet  it,  with 
his  face  toward  the  foe.  • 

And  you  have  brought  back  with  you  your  colors, 
the  last  thing  which  a  brave  Regiment  surrenders. 
These  colors  have  never  been  surrendered,  have 
never  been  repulsed,  have  never  been  driven  back, 
have  never  retreated  save  at  the  order  of  the  General 
Commanding,  and  when  a  whole  army  or  the  whole 
force  fell  back  with  them.  The  Thirty-third  has 
never,  as  a  Regiment,  fallen  back  upon  compulsion, 
but  has  often  stopped  the  current  of  the  enemy's 
advance,  and  has  turned  the  tide  of  many  an  unprom 
ising  conflict,  and  saved  from  the  chronicle  the  record 
of  a  loyal  defeat.  Torn  by  shot  and  shell,  dim  with 


330  TREASURED  ARCHIVES. 

the  stain  of  the  elements,  spotted  with  the  blood  of 
its  brave  defenders,  and  faded  from  the  bright  hues 
which  were  first  unfurled  to  the  sun-light,  these 
colors  yet  bear  upon  them  one  word,  which  is  a  sun 
beam  of  itself — 

"WILLI  AMSBURG," 

inscribed  there  for  gallant  conduct  and  persistent, 
obdurate  bravery  in  that  field,  by  an  order  delivered 
to  you  from  the  mouth  of  your  Commander-in-Chief, 
George  B.  McClellan. 

That  one  word  written  there  is  a  lustre  and  a 
glory  which  no  warp  and  woof  of  the  artificer,  though 
shot  with  silk  of  richest  dye,  and  with  thread  of 
purest  gold,  can  equal  or  imitate. 

It  is  worn  and  tattered.  But  the  perils  it  has 
shared  with  you,  the  hardships  you  have  borne  under 
it,  make  it  beautiful  and  sacred  to  us,  men  of  inac 
tion,  who  now  look  ^ipon  it,  the  mute  yet  eloquent 
witnesses  of  all  your  noble  deeds.  It  will  soon  take 
its  place  in  the  treasured  archives  of  this  noble 
State,  among  its  kindred  flags,  second  to  none,  equal 
to  any  in  interest. 

But  I  weary  your  patience  with  a  theme  which 
grows  upon  my  mind,  and  I  must  come  to  a  close. 

I  hope  we  all,  whose  spokesman  I  now  am,  hope 
and  pray  that,  escaped  from  the  hardships  of  your 
service,  you  may  live  long  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of 
a  Government  and  a  Union,  as  we  trust,  saved  and 
restored,  in  no  small  part, -by  your  devotion.  And 
it  will  add  no  canker  to  your  enjoyment  to  reflect, 


A    PEOUD   REFLECTION.  331 

that  you  turned  your  back  upon  home  and  its  com 
forts  and  endearments,  and  perilled  all  for  the  preser 
vation  of  this  Nationality,  and  all  there  is  so  price 
less,  bound  up  in  its  perpetuity. 

And  let  me  say>  in  conclusion,  that  I  know  in  this 
generation  of  American  men,  no  one  who  has  a  right 
to  bear  himself  with  a  prouder,  loftier  self-respect, 
than  he  who  two  years  ago,  when  the  country  of  his 
birth,  or  of  his  adoption,  was  in  the  dark  hour  of  its 
extremest  danger,  and  seemed  ready  for  extinction, 
stepped  forth  from  the  mass  of  community  as  a  vol 
unteer  soldier  for  its  defence ;  and  who,  through  two 
years  of  varying  fortune,  has  kept  right  on  in  the 
path  of  duty,  and  ready  at  every  call ;  has  braved 
danger,  has  endured  hardships,  has  met  deadly  peril 
face  to  face,  and  never  flinched ;  and  who,  now  his 
term  of  service  is  over,  returns  to  the  society  he  has 
protected,  to  pursue  the  ordinary  avocations  of  life, 
the  pursuit  of  which  would  have  been  ended  and 
lost  in  political  chaos  but  for  his  sacrifices  and  his 
daring.  I  am  not  able  to  express  the  emotions 
which  swell  my  soul  when  I  look  upon  the  men  who 
have  done  all  this.  Let  him  who  can  survey  them 
unmoved,  go  ally  himself  to  the  iceberg,  or  confess 
himself  the  spawn  of  that  Devil,  who,  all  self  and 
selfish  emotion,  is  the  only  legitimate  progenitor  of 
such  a  cold  and  heartless  wretch. 

Again  and  again,  Colonel  and  Officers  and  Men  of 
our  own  gallant  Thirty-third,  I  return  you  the  public 
thanks,  and  give  you  the  public  hearty  welcome 
home. 


332  CAMP    SWIFT. 

Col.  TAYLOR  responded  as  follows : 

FRIENDS  AND  FELLOW-CITIZENS  : —  It  gives  me 
unbounded  pleasure  to  meet  with  you  again  in 
Geneva,  and  I  feel  grateful  to  you  fox*  the  warm  hos 
pitality  and  kind  reception  you  have  given  to  my 
Regiment.  Words  can  but  poorly  express  the  grati 
tude  of  our  soldier  hearts  for  this  unexpected  wel 
come  from  your  hands ;  and  rest  assured  we  shall 
long  cherish  the  remembrance  of  this  hour  as  among 
the  happiest  of  our  lives. 

'  Friends,  I  did  not  come  here  to  address  you  at 
length,  and  you  doubtless  are  all  aware  that  I  am 
not  a  man  of  many  words,  but  rather  a  man  of 
actions,  and  quite  unaccustomed  to  public  speaking. 
Therefore,  you  will  pardon  my  brevity,  while  I 
assure  you  that  we  feel  more  than  we  speak.  When 
we  left  you  two  years  ago,  we  resolved  to  do  our 
duty  in  the  field,  and  can  freely  say  that  there's  not 
a  man  in  the  Thirty-third  Regiment  but  has  done 
his  whole  duty  on  all  occasions.  What  our  career 
has  been  during  this  eventful  period  you  need  not  be 
told.  You  are  familiar  with  every  engagement,  and 
if  our  conduct  on  these  occasions  but  merits  your 
approval,  we  are  content. 

Again  I  thank  you  all  kindly  in  behalf  of  my 
Regiment,  for  the  welcome  you  have  extended  to 
us,  and  should  unlooked-for  events  transpire  that 
would  demand  their  services,  my  Regiment  would 
be  among  the  first  to  respond  to  the  call,  and  I 
believe  every  man  would  be  found  again  in  the 
ranks. 


OVATION   AT  CANANDAIGUA.  333 

Three  cheers  were  now  given  for  the  citizens  of 
Geneva,  and  three  more  for  the  Union,  after  which 
the  soldiers  repaired  to  Camp  Swift,  to  partake  of  a 
bounteous  repast  prepared  by  the  ladies  of  the 
village.  The  tables  groaned  under  the  profusion  of 
choice  delicacies,  which  were  dispensed  by  fair  hands 
to  the  war-worn  veterans. 

The  remainder  of  the  day  was  spent  in  visiting 
with  friends  and  recounting  incidents  connected 
with  the  two  year's  campaign.  During  the  morn 
ing,  a  number  of  the  Regiment,  who  had  been 
taken  prisoners  at  Salem  Heights,  arrived  from 
Annapolis,  and  participated  in  the  generous  hospi 
talities.  Twenty-five  of  the  wounded,  who  returned 
with  the  command,  were  likewise .  most  of  them 
present. 

15A 


334:  OVATION   AT    CANANDAIGUA. 


CHAPTER  XXXY. 

Splendid  Ovation  at  Canandaigua. —  Speeches  and  Address  by 
E.  G.  Lapharn,  J.  P.  Faurot,  and  the  Colonel,  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and  Chaplain  of  the  Regiment. — Return  of  the  Regimental  Ban 
ner  to  the  Ladies  of  Canandaigua.  —  Parting  Exercises.  —  The 
Thirty-third  passes  into  History. 

ON  the  following  Monday,  May  25th,  the  Regi- 
ment  proceeded  to  Canandaigua,  where  a  splendid 
ovation  was  received  at  the  hands  of  the  citizens. 
The  most  extensive  preparations  had  been  made  and 
the  people  flocked  in  by  hundreds  from  the  surround 
ing  country  to  welcome  home  their  own  "  Ontario 
Regiment."  The  train,  consisting  of  ten  coaches, 
reached  the  depot  at  nine  o'clock,  where  an  immense 
crowd  of  people  were  assembled  to  catch  a  first 
glimpse  of  the  heroes  of  Williamsburg  and  Marye's 
Heights.  After  a  brief  delay,  a  procession  was 
formed,  under  the  direction  of  the  Marshal  of  the 
day,  in  the  following  order : 

Marshal  —  WILLIAM  HILDRETH. 

BAND. 
COMMITTEE  OF  ARRANGEMENT. 

SPEAKERS. 

Assistant  Marshal  —  M.  D.  MUNGER, 
COLONEL  TAYLOR  and  STAFF. 


ADDRESS  BY  E.  G.  LAPHAM,  ESQ.  335 

REGIMENT. 
Assistant  Marshal  —  DARWIN  CHENEY. 

BAND. 
FIREMEN. 
CITIZENS. 

Having  formed,  the  procession  marched  to  the 
Court  House  Square,  where  E.  G.  Lapham,  Esq., 
addressed  the  Regiment  as.  follows. 

Officers  and  Soldiers :  —  You  have  come  baxjk, 
after  two  years  of  arduous  service  in  the  cause  of 
your  country,  to  receive,  as  is  your  due,  the  grati 
tude  of  the  State  and  the  homage  of  the  People. 
The  high  honor  has  been  assigned  me,  humble  and 
unfitted  as  I  am  for  the  duty,  in  the  name  and 
behalf  of  the  people  of  this  County  and  locality 
to  bid  you  a  hearty  and  generous  welcome.  You 
have  come  among  us  at  a  period  when  our  hearts 
are  inspired  to  make  your  reception  the  more  cordial 
by  the  news  of  the  brilliant  achievements  of  our 
arms  in  the  south-west.  You  return  with  thinned 
ranks,  and  diminished  numbers,  the  glorious  remnant 
of  a  noble  band,  whose  bravery  and  skill  have  been 
displayed  on  almost  every  battle-field,  from  the  scene 
where  the  great  contest  for  our  independence  was 
closed,  to  the  last  deadly  conflict  around  Fredericks- 
burg  and  Chancellorsville.  Each  one  of  you  has 
brought  home  his  tale  of  thrilling  incident  or  noble 
daring,  which  will  be  repeated  from  hearthstone  to 
hearthstone,  and  from  generation  to  generation,  as 
long  as  the  name  of  America  shall  be  known  among 
men. 


336  KETUKNING   TO   THE    WARS. 

You  have  brought  back  in  triumph  that  banner 
(pointing  to  the  regimental  banner  presented  by  the 
ladies  of  Canandaigua),  soiled  and  tattered  by  the 
casualties  of  the  war,  and  it,  too,  is  a  witness  of 
your  devotion  and  fidelity  to  the  honored  flag  of 
your  country.  That  banner  was  an  object  of  inter 
est  to  us  when  it  was  confidingly  placed  in  your 
keeping  by  the  donors.  It  was  an  object  of  interest 
to  you  when  you  received  it  on  your  parade  ground 
at  Elmira.  It  was  an  object  of  still  deeper  interest 
to  you  when  its  tattered  fragments  were  borne  aloft 
by  brave  hands,  and  dimly  seen  through  the  cloud 
and  smoke  of  battle.  It  is  to  become  an  object 
of  still  deeper  interest  to  us  when  you  shall  soon 
return  it  to  the  fair  hands  from  whom  you  received 
it,  in  fulfilment  of  your  honored  pledge  to  return  it 
unstained  by  cowardice  or  shame,  "  though  stained 
with  blood  in  a  righteous  cause."  Soldiers,  that 
flag,  like  all  things  earthly,  will  perish, 

"Its  silken  folds  may  feed  the  mt>th," 

but  the  precious  lives  which  have  been  gloriously 
lain  down  in  its  defence  are  treasures  laid  up  where 
u  neither  moth  nor  rust  corrupt,"  and  their  names 
will  go  into  the  history  of  this  Republic  as  among 
its  most  priceless  treasures.  We  trust,  that  after 
a  brief  respite  from  the  toils  and  privations  of  the 
battle-field,  and  the  enjoyment  of  the  rest  and 
renewed  vigor  you  will  derive  from  the  abundant 
delights  and  comforts  of  home  and  fireside,  most,  if 
not  all  of  you,  will  again  be  found,  if  need  be,  rally- 


APPEARANCE   OF   THE   VILLAGE.  337 

ing  to  the  support  of  the  flag  you  have  so  long  and 
so  nobly  defended. 

To  you  sir  (addressing  Colonel  Taylor),  and  your 
Aids,  the  cherished  leaders  of  this  glorious  band  of 
men,  no  words  are  adequate  to  express  the  deep 
gratitude  we  feel  for  your  fidelity  to  your  trust. 

Officers  and  Soldiers,  it  only  remains  for  me,  in 
conclusion,  without  detaining  you  longer,  again 
to  say,  that  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
people  I  represent,  we  bid  you  welcome  —  thrice 
welcome  —  among  us. 

After  a  brief  reply  from  Colonel  Taylor,  the 
procession  re-formed,  and  marched  through  various 
streets  of  the  village,  which  were  gaily  festooned 
and  decorated  with  flags.  In  front  of  the  Webster 
House  a  wreath  of  evergreen  spanned  the  entire 
street,  and  the  Stars  and  Stripes  were  unfurled  over 
the  building.  Crossing  the  railroad,  a  little  distance 
above,  was  a  massive  arch,  consisting  of  two  semi 
circles  of  evergreen,  studded  with  bouquets  and 
bright  flowers,  and  containing  in  the  centre  the 
word  "  Welcome."  A  second  arch  was  erected 
near  the  Episcopal  Church,  composed  of  green  twigs 
bespangled  with  roses,  and  extending  across  the 
street.  On  one  side  appeared  the  words,  "  Welcome 
to  the  Brave,"  wrought  with  red  and  white  flowers. 
On  the  opposite,  "  Tears  for  the  Fallen,"  enshrouded 
with  crape.  Over  the  entrance  to  the  Seminary 
Grounds  appeared  the  mottoes,  "  Our  Country," 
and  "  Its  defenders,"  gracefully  set  out  with  laurel 
and  roses.  Suspended  over  the  gateway  of  the 


338 


ADDRESS    BY    J.    P.    FATJROT,    ESQ. 


Academy  was  a  "  Welcome,"  of  red,  white,  and 
blue.  On  entering  Gibson  street,  the  procession 
passed  under  a  third  beautiful  arch  of  evergreens 
and  flowers,  bearing  the  significant  word  "  Williams- 
burg."  Arrived  at  the  Fair  Grounds,  east  of  the 
village,  the  gates  were  thrown  wide  open,  and 
the  spacious  enclosure  soon  filled  with  thousands 
of  spectators.  After  listening  to  numerous  stirring 
airs  from  the  Hopewell,  Canandaigua,  and  Regi 
mental  brass  bands,  the  Regiment  performed  the 
various  evolutions  of  the  manual,  exhibited  the 
manner  of  pitching  tents,  made  a  "  charge,"  and 
went  through  with  numerous  other  military  exer 
cises,  which  elicited  rounds  of  applause  from  the 
lookers  on.  These  ended,  J.  P.  Faurot,  Esq., 
ascended  the  platform,  which  had  been  erected  for 
the  occasion,  and  delivered  the  following  address  :' 

SOLDIERS  AND  OFFICERS  OF  THE  THIRTY-THIRD 
REGIMENT  OF  VOLUNTEERS,  AND  OF  THE  ARMY  OF  THE 
POTOMAC:  —  The  thousands  within  the  sound  of 
my  voice  have  this  day  assembled  to  extend  to  you, 
for  your  courage,  your  patriotism,  your  noble 
sacrifices,  the  plaudits '  and  homage  of  a  grateful 
people,  and  a  warm  and  hearty  welcome  to  your 
homes,  and  the  joys  of  domestic  life.  A  little  more 
than  two  years  ago,  this  nation  was  basking  in  the 
meridian  splendor  of  national  glory,  happiness  and 
prosperity,  with  a  territory  extending  from  ocean  to 
ocean  ;  a  flag  that  floated  in  triumph  over  every  part 
of  our  vast  domain  ;  a  Constitution  and  Government 


THE   CALL   TO   ARMS.  339 

dispensing  its  blessings  and  its  benefits  over  all ;  a 
great,  a  glorious  and  happy  nation  of  thirty-three 
millions  of  people.  Suddenly  the  tocsin  of  war  was 
sounded  by  several  of  the  States,  which,  for  three- 
quarters  of  a  century,  had  enjoyed  the  blessings,  the 
privileges  and  prosperity  incident  to  the  Government 
handed  down  to  us  by  our  patriot  fathers.  The  free 
men  of  the  north  saw  the  threatened  danger  to  our 
institutions,  to  our  country  and  our  homes.  You, 
Soldiers  and  Patriots,  at  this  crisis  in  our  country's 
history,  worthy  sons  of  patriot  sires,  left  your  farms, 
your  work-shops,  your  counters  and  your  homes,  and 
organized  the  Regiment  comprising  the  immortal 
Thirty-third  Volunteers  of  the  Empire  State,  and 
went  forth  to  meet  the  foe  that  would  strike  down 
the  liberties  of  millions  of  happy  freemen,  and  who 
would  destroy  the  wisest  and  best  government  ever 
devised  by  the  wisdom  of  man.  Unacquainted 
with  the  arts  of  war,  with  patriot  hearts  you  rushed 
to  the  rescue  of  your  country  from  impending  ruin 
and  desolation ;  and  first  in  deadly  conflict  at 
Lewinsville,  you  proved  that  your  valor,  your  patri 
otism  and  your  skill,  were  equal  to  the  trying 
emergencies  through  which  you  were  called  to  pass. 
At  Yorktown,  the  place  of  final  victory  to  our  arms 
under  the  immortal  Washington,  you  seemed  to 
be  inspired  by  his  spirit  and  nobly,  bravely,  proved 
yourselves  soldiers  worthy  the  high  and  holy  cause 
you  were  defending. 

At  Williamsburg  —  that  desperate  conflict  —  you 
exhibited  a  daring,  a  high  and  ennobling  courage, 


340  BATTLE-FIELDS. 

unsurpassed  in  ancient  or  modern  times;  a  daring 
that  knew  no  fear ;  a  resolution  as  immovable,  as 
determined,  as  that  of  the  most  daring  patriots  and 
veterans  of  Revolutionary  fame.  For  your  noble 
conduct,  for  your  deeds  of  valor  there,  the  name  of 
WILLIAMSBURG  was  inscribed  upon  your  banner,  by 
order  of  your  great  chieftain,  GEO.  B.  MCCLELLAN. 

You,  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  gallant  Thirty- 
third,  in  every  battle  have  covered  yourselves  all 
over  with  glory.  After  the  /  inscription  upon  your 
banner,  you  no  less  distinguished  yourselves  for  bra 
very  and  deeds  of  noble  daring,  at  the  battles  of  Me 
chanics  ville,  White-Oak  Swamp,  Malvern  Hills,  the 
second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Antietam  and  South 
Mountain,  and  the  battles  at  Fredericksburg,  under 
the  gallant  Burnside  and  Hooker,  the  last  of  which 
was  only  three  weeks  ago  this  day.  It  was  then  but 
a  few  days  before  your  two  years  of  enlistment  ex 
pired,  that  many  of  your  brave  companions  offered 
up  their  lives  as  sacrifices  upon  their  country's  altar. 

It  was  then  that  an  officer  advancing  with  his  men, 
in  the  midst  of  a  deadly  fire,  silenced  one  of  the  largest 
and  most  deadly  guns  of  the  enemy — a  deed  that  has 
seldom,  if  ever,  been  exceeded  for  noble  daring  and 
self-sacrificing  patriotism  in  the  annals  of  any  age  or 
of  any  country.  You  left  your  homes  from  the  ren 
dezvous  at  Elmira  two  years  ago,  with  about  nine 
hundred  men  ;  you  return  to  us  with  three  hundred 
and  fifty,  all  told ;  your  colors  and  your  flags  rent 
and  torn  by  shell  and  shot  of  the  enemy  in  bloody 
strife,  tell  a  truer  tale  of  your  sacrifices,  your 


OUR  ULTIMATE   TRIUMPH.  341 

achievements  and  your  patriotism,  than  any  language 
can  portray.  Yes,  you  have  by  that  flag  and  your 
deeds  of  valor,  erected  a  prouder  monument,  a  more 
enduring  fame,  than  would  be  perpetuated  by  the 
loftiest  mausoleum  that  the  genius  of  man  could 
erect.  While  we  sympathize  and  do  honor  to  you 
who  appear  with  us  to-day,  we  must  not  forget  your 
companions — the  patriot  dead — who  fell  fighting  for 
civil  and  religious  liberty ;  for  the  great  principles 
of  constitutional  government.  They  have  offered  up 
their  lives  on  the  altar  of  their  country,  and  their 
and  your  names  will  fill  the  brightest  page  in  history 
for  all  coming  time ;  yes,  this  day  we  must  think 
of  the  sacrifices  of  fathers  and  mothers ;  of  the 
desolate  homes ;  of  the  tears  and  the  sighs  of  the 
widowed,  and  the  sufferings  and  sorrows  of  the 
bereaved.  You  have  nobly  met  the  necessities  of 
your  bleeding  country,  and  obeyed  her  every  call, 
until  the  last  hour  of  your  enlistment  expired,  and 
may  we,  your  countrymen,  catch  the  spirit  of  your 
patriotism  and  fill  up  the  ranks  in  our  country's 
defence.  We  shall  triumph ;  our  country  again  shall 
hold  her  high  position  among  the  nations  of  the 
earth.  The  principle,  that  man  is  capable  of  self- 
government,  shall  here  be  maintained.  Your  exam 
ple  has  shown  us  that  no  sacrifice  is  too  great ;  that 
the  Stars  and  Stripes  of  our  native  land  again  shall 
float  in  triumph  over  every  foot  of  American  soil, 
and  the  Bird  of  Liberty  shall  again  expand  her 
pinions,  and  with  one  wing  touch  the  sun-rise,  and 
the  other  the  sunset,  and  cast  her  shadow  over  the 
whole  world.  It  may  be  truly  said — 


34:2  RESPONSE   BY    LIEUT.    COL.    CORNING. 

"Your  country's  glory,  'tis  your  chief  concern  : 
For  this  you  struggle,  and  for  this  you  burn  ; 
For  this  you  smile,  for  this  alone  you  sigh  ; 
For  this  you  live,  for  this  would  freely  die." 

Lieut.-Col.  Corning  responded  to  the  address  by 
thanking  the  speaker  for  his  complimentary  allusion 
to  the  men  of  the  Thirty-third.  They  were  worthy 
of  it  all.  "  If  you  could  have  seen  them,"  he  con 
tinued,  "  on  the  battle-field,  a  spontaneous  feeling  of 
gratitude  would  have  burst  from  your  hearts.  Yes, 
they  are  worthy  of  all  the  honor  you  can  bestow 
upon  them.  We  thought  at  one  time  that  your 
loyalty  was  growing  cold,  and  that  the  <  God  bless 
you,'  tendered  to  us  at  parting,  had  been  forgotten. 
But,  thank  God,  I  am  pleased  to  find  it  different, 
by  the  splendid-  manner  in  which  you  have  welcomed 
us  home  to-day.  These  men  are  entitled  to  all  the 
honor  you  can  bestow  on  them  ;  and  the  sick,  those 
who  had  to  come  home  on  account  of  impaired 
health,  are  equally  entitled  to  your  honor  and  your 
regard,  with  those  who  have  passed  safely  through 
the  perils  of  a  battle-field." 

After  the  singing  of  the  "  Red,  White  and  Blue," 
by  a  choir  of  young  ladies  and  gentlemen,  Colonel 
Taylor  stepped  forward  and  returned  to  the  ladies 
of  Canandaigua  the  beautiful  flag  which  they  had 
presented  to  the  Regiment  two  years  before.  As  he 
did  so  he  remarked,  that  "  it  had  been  given  to  them 
with  the  pledge  that  it  should  never  be  sullied  by 
cowardice,  or  a  dishonorable  act,  and  it  had  never 
been  ;  and  it  never  trailed  in  the  dust,  except  on  one 


RETURN    OF   THE   REGIMENTAL   BANNER.  343 

occasion,  when  the  color-bearer  sank  from  sheer 
exhaustion  on  the  field.  It  was  a  beautiful  flag 
when  presented  to  the  Regiment,  but  it  is  now  torn 
and  soiled,  but  to  him  and  the  Regiment  it  was  all 
the  dearer.  He  had  no  doubt  it  would  be  dearer  to 
those  who  gave  it,  as  a  relic  of  the  bravery  and  pat 
riotism  of  the  gallant  men  of  the  Thirty-third.  It 
was  very  heavy  to  be  carried  on  the  field,  but  it  had 
always  been  carried  with  them.  On  one  occasion 
six  out  of  eight  of  the  color-bearers  had  been  shot 
down,  and  another  man  was  called  for  to  support  it, 
when  Sergeant  Vandecar  immediately  sprang  for 
ward  with  a  gun  and  bravely  and  heroically  bore 
the  flag  aloft. 

The  Regiment,  when  he  assumed  the  command. 

O  7 

numbered  about  eight  hundred  men,  and  now  there 
were  not  four  hundred  of  them  left.  If  they  had  come 
home  some  two  weeks  ago,  there  would  have  been 
about  six  hundred  of  them ;  but  two  hundred  fell 
killed  and  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg. 
It  now  only  remained  for  him  to  hand  the  flag  back, 
remarking,  in  conclusion,  that  had  it  been  necessary, 
for  want  of  others,  he  would  himself  have  stepped 
forward  and  defended  the  flag  with  his  life. 

On  receiving  back'  the  now  torn  and  tattered 
banner,  the  ladies  presented  the  following  address, 
read  by  A  H.  Ho  well,  Esq. : 

COL.  TAYLOR  :— When  two  years  ago  you  honored 
the  ladies  of  Canandaigua  in  accepting  for  the 
Thirty-third  Regiment  this  Banner,  the  work  of 
their  hands  and  the  gift  of  their  affection,  the  Regi- 


344  WORTHY   8ON8   OF   ONTARIO. 

ment,  through  you,  pledged  themselves  with  their 
lives,  to  protect  it  from  dishonor  and  cherish  it  as 
the  emblem  of  Love  and  Loyalty.  The  Recording 
Angel  registered  that  vow  in  figures  of  Life,  and 
nobly  has  the  pledge  been  redeemed  in  the  blood  of 
Malvern  Hill,  Fair  Oaks,  Williamsburg,  Lee's  Mills, 
Antietam  and  Fredericksburg. 

This  bullekriven,  blood-stained  Banner  is  dearer 
to  lis,  now  that  we  know  it  has  inspired  acts  of  cour 
age  and  patriotic  ardor,  and  that  it  has  been  as  the 
presence  of  mother,  sister,  wife,  home,  to  the  dying 
soldier,  than  it  was  when  we  parted  with  it  in  its 
freshness  and  new  life,  impatient  for  the  pomp  and 
circumstance  of  war. 

We  were  proud  of  it  as  a  beautiful  offering.  We 
receive  it  now  with  its  honorable  scars — as  a  weary 
soldier  seeking  rest  and  shelter.  We  will  guard  it 
carefully  and  protect  it  tenderly. 

Many  a  home  in  our  midst  is  desolate — many 
waiting,  watching  hearts  are  bereaved ;  but  every 
true  woman  will  thank  God  it  was  not  made  so  by 
the  death  of  a  coward  or  renegade,  and  that  her 
dead  are  "  Freedom's  now,  and  Fame's." 

Soldiers !  on  the  field  of  battle  you  proved  your 
selves  all  that  was  noble,  brave  and  manly — worthy 
sons  of  old  Ontario. 

The  women  of  Ontario  will  expect  you  to  do 
battle  in  their  service,  by  respecting  as  citizens  those 
laws  and  domestic  institutions  for  which  you  have 
perilled  your  lives ;  and  to  your  latest  posterity  your 
children  and  your  children's  children  can  have  no 


PARTING   ADDRESS.  345 

prouder  heritage — can  make  no  prouder  boast,  than 
that  you  were  members  of  the  gallant  Thirty-third. 

The  choir  now  sang  the  "  Star  Spangled  Banner," 
after  which  Chaplain  Lung  delivered  the  following 
parting  address  to  the  Kegiment : 

GENTLEMEN  AND  FELLOW  SOLDIERS  : —  You  have 
reached  the  evening  of  a  two  year's  military  life. 
The  cause  in  which  you  have  been  engaged  is  one  in 
which  you  may  well  be  proud.  It  gives  me  pleasure 
to  know  that  the  military  glory  which  surrounds  you 
this  hour,  is  a  thing  that  you  have  nobly  earned. 
The  honors  which  you  now  enjoy  have  been  bought 
by  your  toil,  and  sweat  and  blood.  They  have  been 
purchased  by  long  and  weary  marches,  by  drill  and 
duty  in  camp,  and  by  your  unflinching  bravery  amid 
the  thunder  and  peril  of  battle. 

My  fellow  soldiers,  you  are  standing  here  to-day, 
with  the  pleasing  consideration  that  you  have  done 
your  duty,  and  can  receive  an  honorable  discharge. 
Sooner  than  have  been  ingloriously  dismissed; 
sooner  than  to  have  been  branded  with  the  name  of 
deserter — a  stain  never  to  be  washed  out,  a  stigma 
to  mark  your  remembrance  and  disgrace  your  chil 
dren  after  you  are  dead — sooner  than  this  should 
have  ever  overtaken  you,  you  have  showed  by  your 
gallant  conduct  that  you  would  have  preferred  to 
have  been  riddled  by  the  enemy's  bullets  and  died 
on  the  field.  There  were  those  in  our  own  ranks 
who  have  thus  died.  As  a  flower  when  bruised, 
mangled  and  crushed,  will  give  forth  all  the  rich 
ness  of  its  odor,  so  these  bruised  ones  who  have 


346        THE  RETURN  TO  LOVED  ONES. 

gone  down  in  the  shock  of  battle,  will  leave  the 
sweet  recollections  of  a  patriotic  spirit;  and  honor 
from  a  nation,  and  love  from  mothers  and  sisters, 
sweeter  than  the  odor  of  flowers,  will  cluster  around 
those  names,  to  be  handed  down  to  unborn  millions. 

It  is  a  pleasing  consideration,  that  you  are  now 
about  to  return  to  the  embrace  of  friends  and  loved 
ones.  You  are  to .  exchange  the  noise  of  the  camp 
for  the  quietude  of  home  ;  the  rude  tent  for  the  neat 
cottage  ;  the  hard  blanket  for  the  soft  bed ;  and  the 
blast  of  the  bugle  for  the  prattling  of  children.  As 
you  go,  I  wrouldbind  sacred  admonition  around  your 
hearts,  and  pray  God's  blessing  to  go  with  you.  If 
while  you  have  been  absent  from  the  holy  influences 
of  home,  there  have  been  some  evil  and  wicked 
habits  fastened  on  you,  let  this  hour  shake  them  off; 
this  hour  break  the  fetters  that  bind  them,  and  return, 
leaving  forever  every  bad  habit  which  may' have 
come  nigh  the  camp. 

You  stand  here  to-day,  having  fully  earned  the 
proud  title  of  veteran  soldiers.  Four  times  you 
have  crossed  the  Potomac,  twice  the  Chickahominy, 
four  times  the  Rappahannock.  You  have  marched 
by  land  and  water ;  by  night  and  day.  You  have 
fought  in  trenches,  and  in  fields  ;  supported  batteries 
and  charged  bayonets,  until  the  honors  of  war,  the 
smell  of  powder,  the  scars  of  shell  and  ball,  and  the 
red  dust  of  twelve  battle-fields  are  upon  you. 

"  But  while  we  enjoy  the  blessings  of  this  hour,  let 
us  not  forget  the  many  heroes  whom  we  have  left  be 
hind  us.  They  are  quietly  slumbering  in  the  dust. 


THE    HEROIC    DEAD.  347 

All  along  tlie  Potomac,  on  either  side ;  up  and  down 
the  Peninsula ;  amid  the  swamps  of  the  Chickaho- 
miny ;  on  the  sunny  banks  of  the  James  River,  and 
on  the  sandy  shores  of  the  Rappahannock — in  little 
groves,  on  sandy  hillocks  ;  in  fields,  and  by  the  road 
side — are  seen  the  silent  resting  places  of  our  pat 
riotic  dead.  The  green  pine  waves  over  them, 
chanting  mournful  dirges  to  the  piping  winds ;  the 
new-grown  grass  clusters  around  them ;  the  sweet 
fragrance  of  the  summer's  flowers  is  wafted  over 
them,  and  the  birds  warble  their  notes  of  song  among 
them  ;  but  no  mother's  voice  is  heard  there  ;  no  sis 
ter's  tear  has  ever  wet  the  cold  sod  of  the  brave 
sleeper. 

This  is  not  a  Democratic  war,  nor  a  Republican 
war ;  neither  is  it  a  "  Negro  war,"  nor  an  "  Aboli 
tion  war."  Let  us  regard  all  such  appellations  as  the 
result  of  mere  party  spirit  rather  than  of  genuine 
loyalty.  This  is  the  Nation's  war.  It  is  loyalty 
struggling  to  suppress  disloyalty.  It  is  right  arrayed 
against,  wrong ;  Union  against  Disunion  ;  order  and 
obedience  against  confusion  and  rebellion.  In  this 
struggle  let  us  worship  at  no  political  shrine. 

"  For  a  time  we  may  be  defeated,  but  not  conquered. 
The  States  of  this  glorious  Union  are  inseparably 
linked  together  by  the  eternal  laws  of  nature.  The 
silvery  chain  of  lakes  on  the  North,  the  spark 
ling  sea  gulfs  on  the  South,  the  broad  Atlantic  on 
the  East,  and  the  shores  of  the  Pacific  on  the  West, 
have  firmly  and  legally  solemnized  these  political 
nuptials,  and  bound  them  in  one  grand,  sacred, 


348  A    SUMPTUOUS    BANQUET. 

federal  bond  of  everlasting  union.  "  What  there 
fore  God  hath  joined  together  let  not  man  put 
asunder." 

But  I  must  not  detain  you  longer.  I  will  only 
point  you  to  that  tattered  old  flag — pierced  by  ball 
and  rent  with  shell ;  faded  by  sun  and  storm,  and 
worn  into  shreds  by  the  breezes  of  heaven,  which 
have  flaunted  her  furls  over  fields  of  blood,  marring 
her  stripes,  and  plucking  from  her  proud  constella 
tion  some  of  her  brilliant  stars.  There  she  hangs  in 
all  the  glory  of  her  chivalry ! — time-honored — a  rich 
relic,  sacred  to  the  memory  of  the  brave. 

"Invincible  banner  !  the  flag  of  the  free, 
Oh,  where  treads  the  foot  that  would  falter  for  thee, 
Or  the  hands  to  be  folded  till  freedom  is  won, 
And  the  eagle  looks  proud,  as  of  old,  to  the  sun? 
Give  tears  for  the  parting  ;  a  murmur  of  prayer, 
Then  forward  !  the  fame  of  our  standard  to  share  ; 
With  welcome  to  wounding,  and  combat,  and  scars, 
And  the  glory  of  death  for  the  Stripes  and  the  Stars." 

This  closed  the  exercises  of  the  day,  and  the 
Regiment  re-forming,  proceeded  to  the  Canandaigua 
House  to  partake  of  a  sumptuous  banquet,  prepared 
by  the  ladies  of  the  village. 

Rarely  has  it  been  the  lot  of  mortals  to  receive 
such  an  ovation  as  were  those  tendered  to  the  Thirty- 
third  by  the  citizens  of  Geneva  and  Canandaigua. 
It  was  well  nigh  a  recompense  for  two  years  of  toil 
and  danger,  to  become  a  recipient  of  such  welcomes. 
Every  circumstance  connected  with  them  will  be 
fondly  cherished  by  the  officers  and  men. 


MUSTERING    OUT   OF    SERVICE. 


349 


The  Command  returned  to  Geneva  the  same  even 
ing,  and  was  quartered  at  the  barracks,  the  officers 
taking  rooms  at  the  hotels.  Tuesday,  June  2nd, 
Captain  Beirn,  of  the  regular  service,  assem 
bling  the  Regiment  on  the  green  in  front  of  the 
barracks,  mustered  it  out  of  the  service  by  Companies, 
and  the  Thirty-third  passed  into  history. 
16 


APPENDIX. 


1 


OF 


THE  THIRTY-THIRD  OFFICERa 


THE  State  Military  Authorities  at  Albany  are  now 
collecting  biographies  of  all  the  commissioned  officers 
from  this  State,  to  be  printed  and  preserved  among  the 
archives  of  the  Commonwealth.  It  was  customary  at 
Rome  and  Athens  to  engrave  the  names  of  their  warriors 
on  marble-tablets  erected  at  the  street  corners,  that  all 
might  see  who  had  perilled  their  lives  in  defence  of  their 
country. 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE    OFFICERS 


COLONEL  ROBERT  F.  TAYLOR 

Was  born  in  Erie,  Pa.,  June  19th,  1826.  He  attend 
ed  school  until  fifteen  years  of  age,  when  he  became 
employed  as  an  apprentice  in  the  clothing  business.  In 
1843  he  proceeded  to  Toronto,  Canada,  remaining  there 
until  the  spring  of  1845.  After  spending  several  months 
in  travelling,  he  settled  in  Rochester,  and  during  the  fol 
lowing  December  associated  himself  with  the  Rochester 
Union  Grays.  April  14th,  1847,  he  enlisted  in  Captain 
Wilder's  Company,  10th  Infantry,  and  was  appointed 
Orderly  Sergeant.  The  Regiment,  which  was  raised  for 
the  war  by  Colonel  Robert  E.  Temple,  immediately  pro 
ceeded  to  Mexico,  and  served  in  various  campaigns  until 
August  1848.  Sergeant  Taylor  distinguished  himself  on 
various  occasions,  but  especially  at  the  battle  of^  Meir. 
The  Regiment  was  detached  from  the  army,  and  stationed 
at  this  post  village,  for  several  weeks.  Learning  this 
fact,  a  considerable  force  of  the  enemy  advanced  cautious 
ly  through  the  mountain  defiles,  and  made  a  sudden 
night  attack,  hoping  to  capture  the  entire  command. 
On  entering  the  village  they  proceeded  immediately  to 
the  barracks  where  the  men  were  quartered,  and  opened 
a  hot  fire  on  them.  Not  a  commissioned  officer  was  pres 
ent  at  that  time.  Sergeant  Taylor  immediately  roused 
the  men  from  their  slumbers,  rallied  them  around  him, 


4  BIOGRAPHIES   OF  THE   OFFICERS. 

and  after  a  brief  engagement,  routed  the  Mexicans  and 
put  them  to  flight. 

Returning  to  Rochester  during  the  fall  of  1848,  he 
remained  a  short  time,  and  then  settled  at  Stafford, 
Genesee  County.  He  was  engaged  in  the  clothing  busi 
ness  here  until  the  spring  of  1851,  when  he  removed 
to  South  Byron.  During  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he 
proceeded  to  Cuba,  Allegany  County,  and  in  the  follow 
ing  spring,  returned  to  Rochester,  where  he  has  continu 
ed  to  reside  until  the  present  time.  Soon  after  returning, 
he,  with  several  others,  organized  the  Rochester  Light 
Gruard.  He  was  immediately  elected  Orderly  Sergeant, 
and  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant,  January  26th,  1856. 
July  4th,  1856,  he  was  made  Division  Inspector,  with  the 
rank  of  Lieutenant-Colonel,  on  General  Fullerton's  Staff. 
Resigning  this  position,  he  was  elected  First  Lieutenant 
of  the.  Light  Guard,  which  had  now  become  Co.  C., 
Fifty-fourth  Regiment  State  Militia.  January  25th,  1857, 
ho  was  elected  Major  of  the  Regiment.  August  19th, 
1857,  he  resigned  his  Majorship  to  accept  the  Captaincy 
of  the  Light  Guard.  On  the  firing  of  Fort  Sumpter, 
April,  1860,  he  commenced  raising  a  company  for 
the  wa£,  and  in  fourteen  days  tendered  eighty-six  men 
to  the  Governor.  His  Company  was  immediately  ac 
cepted,  and  mustered  into  the  service  as  Company  A, 
Thirteenth  New  York  Volunteers.  On  the  22d  day  of 
May.  he  was  unanimously  elected  Colonel  of  the  Thirty- 
third  New  York. 

Colonel  Taylor  was  present  with  his  command  in  all 
the  engagements  of  its  two  years'  campaign,  with  the 
exception  of  Antietam,  when  he  was  absent  on  recruiting 
service.  Owing  to  his  soldierly  qualities  and  skill  in 
manoeuvring  troops,  he  was  frequently  placed  in  command 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  0 

of  a  Brigade.  His  gallant  conduct  during  the  last  series 
of  battles  around  Fredericksburg  greatly  increased  the 
esteem  and  regard  with  which  he  was  held  among  hig 
fellow-officers  and  men. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  J.  W.  CORNING 

Was  born  in  Yarmouth,  North  Scotia,  Nov.  4th,  1813,  and 
when  eleven  years  of  age  removed  with  his  parents  to 
Rochester.  The  father  losing  all  of  his  property  by  an 
extensive  conflagration,  the  son  was  thrown  on  his  own 
resources,  and  resorted  to  various  shifts  for  a  livelihood. 
In  1829  he  joined  a  military  organization,  and  devoted 
much  time  to  the  manual.  During  a  part  of  the  years 
1833  and  1834,  he  resided  in  Waterloo,  where  he  was 
elected  Captain  of  a  Company  of  Fusileers.  In  the 
spring  of  1834  he  proceeded  to  Clayton,  Jefferson  Co., 
and  spent  two  years  in  teaching  and  agricultural  pursuits. 
He  was  here  likewise  chosen  Captain  of  a  Militia  Com 
pany.  In  the  spring  of  1837  he  started  on  a  travelling 
tour,  and  spent  several  months  among  the  Western  wilds, 
meeting  with  numerous  adventures.  Returning  to  New 
York  in  December,  he  settled  at  Ontario,  Wayne  Co., 
where  he  remained  ten  years,  engaged  in  agricultural 
pursuits.  In  1847  he  removed  to  Palmyra,  and  embark 
ed  in  the  mercantile  business.  May,  1850,  he  sailed  for 
California,  and  after  spending  three  years  in  mining 
operations,  returned  to  Palymra.  He  now  commenced  the 
study  of  law,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  March  1855, 
and  continued  the  practice  of  his  profession  until  the  out 
break  of  the  war.  He  was  chosen  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
Police  Magistrate,  Mayor  of  the  village,  and  filled  other 
positions  of  trust.  In  the  fall^of  1860  he  was  elected  by 


O  BIOGRAPHIES    OP    THE    OFFICERS. 

a  heavy  majority  to  represent  his  district  in  the  State 
Legislature. 

He  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  various  Legislative 
proceedings  of  the  session,  and  when  the  South  rebelled, 
urged  the  enforcement  of  the  most  stringent  measures  for 
their  subjection.  On  the  adjournment  of  the  Assembly  he 
returned  home,  and  the  next  day  commenced  raising  a 
Company  for  the  war.  He  was  promoted  from  Captain 
to  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  Thirty-third,  November, 
1861,  and  was  present  with  the  Regiment  in  all  its 
encounters  with  the  enemy,  being  frequently  compliment 
ed  by  his  superior  officers  for  "gallantry  and  courage." 

MAJOR  JOHN  S.  PLATNER 

Was  born  at  Clyde,  Wayne  County,  March  23,  1837. 
During  the  month  of  April,  1857,  he  proceeded  to 
Geneva,  and  became  Assistant  Postmaster.  On  the  fol 
lowing  June  he  entered  the  Dry  Goods  House  of 
S.  S.  Cobb  as  accountant,  and  in  the  spring  of  1859 
became  a  partner.  When  the  Geneva  Company  was 
organized  he  enlisted  as  a  private,  his  name  being  the 
second  on  the  roll,  and  was  unanimously  elected  First 
Lieutenant.  On  the  promotion  of  Captain  Walker  to  the 
Lieutenant-Colonelcy  of  the  Regiment,  Capt.  Platner  was 
unanimously  chosen  to  succeed  him.  January  24,  1801, 
he  was  appointed  Major  of  the  Thirty-third,  which  position 
he  filled  with  much  distinction  until  the  close  of  the  two 
years'  campaign,  participating  in  all  the  battles  and 
skirmishes  of  the  Regiment,  and  having  two  horses  killed 
and  two  wounded  in  action.  He  commanded  the  Thirty- 
third  during  the  engagements  at  Savage's  Station,  White 
Oak  Swamp,  and  Malvern  Hills,  bringing  it  safely 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   TIIE   OFFICERS.  7 

through  all  the  toils  and  dangers  of  the  retreat  from 
before  Richmond. 

ADJUTANT  CHARLES  T.  BUTTON 

Was  born  in  the  city  of  New  York,  in  the  year  1830. 
He  marched  to  the  defence  of  Washington,  April  17th, 
1861,  with  the  famous  Seventh  Regiment,  of  which  he 
had  long  been  a  member,  and  on  returning,  received  his 
appointment  in  the  Thirty-third.  October  29th,  1863, 
he  resigned  in  consequence  of  ill  health. 

ADJUTANT  JOHN  W.  CORNING 

Was  born  in  the  town  of  Ontario,  Wayne  County,  Sep 
tember  8th,  1841.  At  the  age  of  six  years  he  removed 
\uth  his  parents  to  Palmyra,  where  he  attended  school 
and  engaged  in  teaching  until  the  fall  of  1861.  During 
the  month  of  October  he  was  appointed  Second  Lieu 
tenant  of  Co.  B,  and  on  the  following  May,  promoted 
to  first  Lieutenant.  He  had  charge  of  his  Company 
during  the  months  of  July  and  August  1862,  and  acquit 
ted  himself  with  much  credit  at  the  battle  of  Golden's 
Farm,  and  during  the  seven  days'  retreat.  Returning 
to  Palmyra,  after  the  army  reached  Harrisons'  Landing, 
on  recruiting  service,  he  was  prostrated  with  a  severe  fit 
of  sickness.  Recovering,  he  re-joined  his  Regiment  in 
November,  and  was  appointed  Adjutant. 

QUARTERMASTER  HIRAM  LLOYD  SUYDAM 

Was  born  in  Geneva,  April  26th,  1822,  was  appointed 
Quartermaster  on  the  organization  of  the  Regiment: 

16A 


8  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS. 

resigned  his  position  September  14th,  1861.  He  now 
resides  in  Geneva,  being  extensively  engaged  in  the 
confectionery  business. 

QUARTERMASTER  HENRY  N.  ALEXANDER 

Was  born  in  Rochester,  April  18, 1823,  where  he  remain 
ed  until  185'),  engaged  in  various  pursuits.  He  was 
residing  in  Chicago  when  the  Thirty-third  was  organ 
ized.  Enlisted  as  a  private,  and  was  promoted  to  Quar 
termaster,  September  14th,  1861. 

CHAPLAIN  GEORGE  N.  CHENEY 

Was  born  in  Richmond,  Ontario  Co.,  June  3d,  1829. 
He  graduated  at  Hobart  College,  Geneva,  in  the  year 
1849.  In  1850  he  proceeded  to  the  Episcopal  Seminary 
in  Fairfax  County,  Virginia,  remaining  there  until  June 

1852,  when  he  was  ordained  Deacon  in  Christ's  Church, 
Alexandria.     He  then  came  to  Rochester,  to  assist  Rev. 
H.  W.  Lse,  D.  D.,  then  Rector  of  St.   Luke's  Church, 
and  since    Bishop    of  Iowa.    December,    1852,    he   took 
charge  of  St.   Mark's  Church,  Perm  Yan,  and  in  June, 

1853,  was  admitted  to  the  priesthood  by  the  Bishop  of 
Western  New  York.     October,  1854,   he  was   called  to 
the  charge  of  Trinity  Church,  Rochester.     He  remained 
hore  until  receiving  the  appointment  of  Chaplain  to  the 
Thirty-third.     Accompanying  the  Regiment  to  Washing 
ton,  he  resignel,  December  1st,  1861,  and  returned   to 
his    Church.     He    afterwards    accepted  a  call  from   the 
Episcopal  Church  at  Branchport,  where  he  was  prostrated 
by  disease,  and  died  June  12th,    1863.     The    men    be 
came    very    much    attached    to   him   during    his    brief 
sojourn  with  the  Regiment. 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE    OFFICERS.  9 

CHAPLAIN  AUGUSTUS  H.  LUNG 

Was  born  in  Rush,  Susquehanna  County,  Pa.,  Novem 
ber  1st,  1827.  After  devoting  several  years  to  study 
and  teaching,  he  entered  the  Harford  Academy,  where 
he  remained  two  years  and  a  half.  At  the  expiration  of 
that  time,  he  was  admitted  into  the  Sophomore  .Class  of 
the  Lewisburg  University,  and  graduated  in  1853.  In 
the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  became  a  student  in  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  Rochester,  and  completed  his 
studies  July,  1855.  During  the  year  1857  he  was 
settled  Pastor  of  "the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Canandai- 
gua  Village,"  laboring  with  marked  success  until  com 
missioned,  January  2nd,  1862,  Chaplain  of  the  Thirty- 
third.  While  on  the  Peninsula,  he  was  attacked  with  a 
severe  fit  of  sickness,  and  lay  at  the  point  of  death 
for  several  days.  He,  however,  recovered  his  health, 
and  rejoining  the  Regiment,  remained  until  its  return 
home,  when  he  resumed  his  pastoral  labors  at  Canandai- 
gua. 

SURGEON  T.  RUSH  SPENCER 

Was  appointed  Surgeon  of  the  Thirty-third  on  its 
organization,  afterwards  promoted  to  Brigade  Surgeon. 

SURGEON  SYLVANUS  S.  MULFORD, 

Who  resided  at  Cherry  Valley,  was  chosen  Assistant 
Surgeon  of  the  Thirty-third  on  its  organization  and  was 
afterwards  promoted  to  full  Surgeon.  He  resigned  at 
Stafford  Court  House. 

SURGEON  D'ESTAING  DICKINSON 

Was  born  in  the  town  of  Watertown,  Jefferson  County, 


10  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS. 

May  19th,  1836,  and  graduated  from  Albany  Medical 
College  in  1858.  After  practising  in  Watcrtown  and 
vicinity  four  years,  he  was  chosen  Surgeon  to  Sing 
Sing  Prison,  which  position  he  held  when  appointed 
Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  Thirty-third.  He  was  pro 
moted  to  full  Surgeon  in  the  fall  of  1862,  and  remain 
ed  with  'the  Regiment  until  its  return  home.  While  in 
charge  of  the  Liberty  Hall  Hospital  on  the  Peninsula, 
containing  nearly  five  hundred  men,  he  was  made 
prisoner,  refusing  to  leave  his  patients.  After  being 
detained  by  the  rebel  authorities  for  several  weeks,  he 
was  set  at  liberty  and  rejoined  the  Regiment.  During 
the  winter  of  1863  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  Howe's 
Division  Hospital  at  Acquia  Creek,  and  when  General 
Hooker's  series  of  battles  occurred,  was  given,  the 
entire  supervision  of  all  the  hospitals  of  the  Sixth  Army 
Corps. 

ASSISTANT  SURGEON  RICHARD  CURRAN 

Was  born  in  Carrahill,  Clare  County,  Ireland,  January 
4th,  1838,  and  coming  to  this  country  at  the  age  of  twelve 
years,  settled  at  Seneca  Falls  with  his  parents.  He 
graduated  from  the  Medical  Department  of  Harvard 
College  in  1860,  and  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  Thirty- 
third.  He  was  appointed  Hospital  Steward,  when  the 
Regiment  reached  Washington,  and  promoted  to  Assist 
ant  Surgeon,  August  15,  1862.  General  Smith  com 
plimented  him,  after  the  battle  of  Antictam,  in  a  special 
order,  for  having  advanced  with  his  Regiment  into  the 
thickest  of  the  fray. 

ASSISTANT-SURGEON  DUNCAN  M'LACHLEN 

Was  born  in  Caledonia,  Livingston  County,  January  30th, 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  11 

1832.  Studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Chamberlain,  of 
Le  Roy,  New  York.  Graduated  at  the  Buffalo  Medical 
College,  and  was  appointed  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the 
Thirty-third,  January  -22nd,  1863. 

CAPTAIN  GEORGE  M.  GUION, 

Co.  A,  was  engaged  in  the  druggist  business  at  Seneca 
Falls,  on  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion.  Remained  with 
the  Regiment  until  September,  1862,  participating  in 
the  various  battles  of  the  Peninsula,  when  he  was  pro 
moted  to  the  Lieutenant-Colonelcy  of  the  148th  New 
York  Volunteers,  which  position  he  still  retains. 

CAPTAIN  EDWIN  J.  TYLER, 

Co.  A,  was  born  in  Onondaga  County,  New  York,  April 
1st,  1828.  He  moved  at  an  early  age  to  Seneca  Falls, 
which  has  been  his  home  until  the  present  time.  En 
gaged  in  the  mercantile  business  at  eighteen  years  of 
age  and,  followed  it  until  1847.  when  he  sailed  for 
California,  being  nine  months  and  twenty-two  days  on 
the  voyage.  Returned  to  Seneca  Falls,  in  the  spring  of 
1851,  and  re-engaged  in  business.  Was  elected  as 
First  Lieutenant  of  Company  A,  on  its  formation.  Acted 
as  Adjutant  of  the  Regiment  from  May  until  August 
1862,  and  on  the  following  October  was  promoted  to  the 
Captaincy. 

FIRST   LIEUTENANT   PRICE  WESLEY  BAILEY, 

Co.  A,  was  born  in  Newtown,  North  Wales,  August 
18th,  1837.  Emigrated  to  this  country  in  1847,  settled 
at  Skaneateles;  moved  from  thence  successively  to  Auburn, 
New  York  City  and  Utica.  Returning  home,  attended 


12  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS. 

school  one  year,  and  then  proceeded  to  Seneca  Falls. 
Enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company  A,  afterwards  elected 
to  Second  Lieutenant,  and  detached  to  General  Davidson's 
Staff  at  Yorktown.  Promoted  to  First  Lieutenant,  May 
21st,  1862 ;  was  relieved  from  Staff  at  Harrison's  Land 
ing,  and  took  charge  of  his  Company.  Appointed  on 
General  Neill's  Staff,  January  16th,  1863. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  THOMAS   H.  SIBBALDS, 

Co.  A,  on  the  organization  of  the  company,  was  elect 
ed  Second  Sergeant,  and  promoted  to  Second  Lieu 
tenant,  October  1862,  immediately  after  the  battle  of 
Antietani. 

CAPTAIN  HENRY  J.  WHITE, 

Co.  B,  succeeded  to  the  command  of  the  Company  when 
Captain  Corning  was  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
November  1861.  Afterwards  resigned  and  was  succeed 
ed  by  First  Lieutenant  Draime. 

CAPTAIN  HENRY  J.  DRAIME, 

Co.  B,  was  born  in  the  City  of  Sadan,  France,  and  coming 
to  America  in  1832,  settled  with  his  parents  in  Canton, 
Ohio.  March  27th,  1839,  he  enlisted  in  the  Fifth 
Regular  Artillery,  was  soon  promoted  to  non-commission 
ed  officer,  and  remained  in  the  service  five  years. 
During  that  time,  he  was  stationed  in  Detroit,  Chicago, 
Buffalo,  Sackett's  Harbor,  Fort  Columbus,  Fort  Adams, 
&c.  Fired  the  minute  guns  at  Sackett's  Harbor  on  the 
death  of  President  Harrison,  and  was  ordered  to  Rhode 
Island  with  his  battery,  to  assist  in  suppressing  the 
insurrection  known  as  the  "Dorrite  War." 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  13 

After  leaving  the  army,  he  resided,  among  other  places, 
in  Rochester,  Fredonia,  &c.,  employed  in  superintending 
engineering  operations.  He  was  living  in  Palmyra  when 
the  war  commenced  ;  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  B,  was 
elected  Second  Lieutenant,  and  promoted  to  First  Lieu 
tenant,  and  then  Captain. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  L.  C.  MIX, 

Co.  B,  was  born  in  New  Haven,  Conn.,  in  1829.  Re 
moved  to  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  Having  early  developed  a  taste 
for  drawing,  he  was  induced  to  go  to  New  York  to 
learn  the  "art  and  mysteries"  of  engraving.  After 
five  years'  practice,  started  business  in  Rochester.  Was 
engaged  for  ten  years,  until  the  war,  when  he  went  with 
the  Thirty-third  as  Commissary  Sergeant.  Promoted 
to  Second  Lieutenant  of  Co.  C,  July  29th,  1861. 
Acted  in  that  capacity  until  the  battle  of  Antie- 
tam,  when  he  was  wounded.  Promoted  to  First  Lieu 
tenant,  and  assigned  to  Co.  B,  October  17th,  1862. 
Afterwards  re-joined  the  Regiment  and  was  detailed  Aid- 
de-Camp  to  Colonel  Taylor,  Colonel  Commanding  First 
Brigade,  Second  Division,  Sixth  Corps,  not  being  suf 
ficiently  recovered  to  resume  active  duties  as  a  line 
officer. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  J.  CARTER, 

Co.  B,  was  born  in  Troy,  June  16th,  1842.  His  parents 
dying  when  he  was  quite  young,  he  was  removed  to  Buf 
falo,  and  sent  to  school.  Two  years  later  he  was  placed 
under  the  care  of  Rev.  John  Sherdan,  of  Portageville. 
Soon  after  Cyrus  Rose,  of  Nunda,  adopted  him,  receiving 
him  into  his  family  as  his  own  son.  He  was  nearly 


14  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS. 

prepared  for  College  when  the  war  commenced,  but 
laying  aside  his  books,  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  F. 
On  reaching  the  field,  was  appointed  Quartermaster- 
Sergeant.  Nine  months  afterwards  he  was  promoted  to 
a  Second  Lieutenancy,  and  assigned  to  Co.  B.  General 
Smith  mentioned  Lieutenant  Carter,  among  others,  after 
the  battle  of  Antietam,  "  whose  conduct  was  particularly 
gallant  under  my  own  observation/' 

CAPTAIN  JOHN  F.  AIKENS, 

Co.  C,  was  born  at  Newburg,  N.  Y.  Removed  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  to  Waterloo.  Was  employed  in  various 
pursuits  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  when  he 
was  made  Captain  of  Co.  C.  Resigned  at  Washington, 
July  28th,  1861. 

CAPTAIN  CHESTER  H.  COLE, 

Co.  C,  was  born  in  Leray,  Jefferson  County,  October 
3rd,  1828.  When  sixteen  years  of  age  he  proceeded 
to  the  West.  Returned  to  Leray,  and  soon  removed  to 
Pillar  Point,  where  he  became  employed  as  a  ship- 
carpenter.  Afterwards  worked  in  Oswego,  Syracuse, 
and  New  York.  When  the  war  broke  out,  he  was  resid 
ing  in  Waterloo;  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  C,  was 
elected  First  Lieutenant  on  the  formation  of  the  Com 
pany,  and  promoted  to  Captain,  July  29th,  1861.  He 
was  with  the  Thirty-third  in  all  its  engagements  up  to 
the  storming  of  Marye's  Heights,  when  he  was  severely 
wounded  in  the  thigh.  He  recovered  sufficiently,  how 
ever,  to  return  home  with  the  Regiment. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  ROBERT  II.  BRETT, 

Co.  C,  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  May  17th,  1829, 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  15 

came  to  this  country  when  above  five  years  of  age,  and 
settled  at  Utica.  At  twenty-one  years  of  age  sailed  for 
California,  where  he  remained  two  years.  Returned  to 
Utica,  and  engaged  in  the  machinist  business.  In  1860 
moved  to  Waterloo.  Was  elected  Orderly  Sergeant  of  Go. 

C,  and  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant,  July  29th,  1861. 

4 

SECONDLIEUTENANT  J.  E.  STEBBINGS, 

Co.  C,  was  born  at  Madrid,  St.  Lawrence  County,  August 
2,  1833.  Enlisting  as  a  private  in  Co.  C,  at  Waterloo,  was 
elected  Third  Sergeant;  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
July  29th,  1861,  and  to  Second  Lieutenant,  Octotber 
17th,  1862. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  ANDREW  J.  SCHOTT, 

Co.  C,  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant  on  the  organiza 
tion  of  the  Company,  and  resigned,  July  29th,  1861. 
Since  died  at  Waterloo,  N.  Y. 

CAPTAIN  HENRY  J.   GIFFORD, 

Co.  D,  succeeded  John  R.  Cutler  to  the  command  of  Co. 

D,  at   Camp  Griffin.     Was   educated  for  the  law.     En 
listed  as  a  private  in  the  Thirteenth  New  York  Volun 
teers,  and  afterwards  promoted    to  First   Lieutenant   of 
Co.  D,  Thirty-third  New    York.     On    the  departure    of 
the  Regiment  from  the  field,  the  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
three  three  years'  recruits  were  organized  into  one  Com 
pany  under  him,  and  attached  to  the  Forty-ninth  New 
York. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  STEPHEN   T.  DUEL, 

Co.  D,  was  chosen  First  Lieutenant  on  the  formation 
of  the  Company ;  since  resigned. 


16  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  WM.  E.  ROACH, 

Co.  D,  was  born  in  Colchester,  Vermont,  October  9th, 
1825,  moved,  at  seven  years  of  age,  to  Troy,  and  from 
thence  to  Rochester  in  1838.  Proceeded  to  California 
in  1849,  and  returned  to  Rochester.  Was  appointed 
Seconjl  Lieutenant,  Co.  D,  during  the  fall  of  1862.  Haa 
since  performed  service,  at  battles  of  Fredericksburg 
and  Chancellorsville,  in  the  ambulance  Corps,  to  which 
position  he  was  assigned  in  February,  1863. 

CAPTAIN  WILSON  B.  WARFORD, 

Co.  E,  was  born  in  Hunterdon,  New  Jersey,  July  27th, 
1822.  Removed  to  Geneseo  in  1839,  where  he  remained 
until  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion.  Enlisted  as  a 
private  in  Co.  E,  and  was  immediately  elected  Captain. 
Was  very  fond  of  military  pursuits,  and  for  many  years 
served  as  Captain  of  a  Military  Company. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  GUMMER, 

Co.  E,  was  born  in  Dorsetshire,  England,  July  23d, 
1819;  came  to  this  country  during  the  spring  of  1851, 
and  settled  in  Geneseo.  Enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  E, 
and  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant.  Promoted  to  First 
Lieutenant,  July  28th,  1862. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  WALTER  H.  SMITH, 
Co.  E,  resigned,  March  18th,  1863. 

CAPTAIN  JAMES  M.  McNAIR, 

Co.  F,  was  born  on  the  8th  of  June,  1835,  in  Nunda, 
N.  Y.  His  earlier  years  were  spent  at  school,  and  upon 
the  farm.  He  prepared  for  College  under  the  tutorship 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  17 

of  Prof.  Judson  A.  Bassett,  at  the  Nunda  Literary 
Institute,  and  after  teaching  a  term,  entered  the  Uni 
versity  of  Rochester  in  July,  1857.  He  graduated  with 
his  class  in  July  1860,  and  immediately  entered  the  law 
office  of  Orlando  Hastings,  in  Rochester.  During  the 
winter  of  1860  and  1861  he  taught  the  Academy  in 
West  Bloomfield,  N.  Y.,  where  he  was  engaged  when 
the  rebellion  broke  out.  He  immediately  enlisted  with 
a  company  forming  at  Nunda,  of  which  he  was  elected 
Captain,  May  13th,  1861.  He  continued  with  the  com 
pany  until  it  was  mustered  out  of  service,  June  2nd, 
1863,  at  Geneva,  N.  Y.  The  degree  of  Master  of  Arts 
was  conferred  upon  Captain  McNair  at  the  Commence 
ment  of  the  University  of  Rochester  in  July,  1863. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  H.  A.  HILLS, 

Co.  F,  was  born  at  Nunda,  Livingston  Co.,  Feb.  1st,  1834. 
Proceeded  to  Shelby  County,  Ky,  in  the  year  1856, 
and  afterwards  to  Illinois,  Kansas,  Missouri,  and  Nebraska, 
being  employed  most  of  the  time  in  teaching.  Returning 
to  Nunda,  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  F,  elected  Orderly 
Sergeant  on  the  organization  of  the  Company,  promoted 
to  Second  Lieutenant,  Feburary,  6th,  1862,  and  to  First 
Lieutenant  at  White  Oak  Church,  December  27th,  1862. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  GEORGE  T.  HAMILTON, 

Co.  F,  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  F,  was  elected  First 
Lieutenant  on  its  permanent  organization,  and  resigned 
at  Camp  Griffin. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  HENRY  G.  KING, 

Co.  F,  was  born  at  Mount  Morris,  August  15th,  1835. 


18  BIOGRAPHIES   OP   THE   OFFICERS. 

When  the  war  commenced,  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co. 
F,  was  chosen  Second  Lieutenant,  and  promoted  to  First 
Lieutenant,  February,  1862.  He  was  detailed  for  a  time 
as  Acting  Quartermaster. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  F.  WINDSHIP, 

Co.  F,  was  born  in  Queensbury,  Warren  County,  June 
llth,  1832.  At  nineteen  years  of  age  removed  to 
Angelica,  Allegany  County;  afterwards  resided  in  Illi 
nois,  Missouri,  and  Michigan.  Returned  to  Wyoming, 
Pike  County.  During  the  winter  of  1861,  enlisted  as 
a  private  in  Co.  F ;  promoted  to  Second  Sergeant,  May 
6th,  1861,  afterwards  to  First  Sergeant,  and,  December 
27th,  1862,  to  Second  Lieutenant. 

CAPTAIN  THEODORE  B.  HAMILTON, 

Co.  G,  was  elected  Captain  of  the  Company  on  the 
organization,  and  participated  in  all  the  earlier  engage 
ments  in  which  the  Regiment  was  engaged.  During  the 
month  of  December,  1862,  he  was  promoted  to  the  Lieu 
tenant-Colonelcy  of  the  Sixty-second  New  York,  which 
position  he  still  holds. 

CAPTAIN  GEORGE  A.  GALE, 

Co.  G,  was  born  in  London,  Canada  West,  November, 
1st,  1839.  In  1845,  removed  to  Watertown,  and  three 
years  later  to  Buffalo ;  attended  school  until  sixteen  years 
of  age,  arid  then  became  employed  in  the  printing 
establishment  of  Jewett,  Thomas  &  Co.,  where  he  re 
mained  four  years.  When  hostilities  commenced,  he 
enlisted  in  a  three  months'  Regiment,  and  afterwards  in 
Co.  G,  as  a  private.  Was  immediately  elected  First 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  19 

Sergeant,  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  May  20th, 
1862,  when  he  was  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant. 
October  16th,  1862  he  was  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant, 
and  during  the  following  December,  to  Captain  of  the 
Company.  He  was  wounded  in  the  left  leg  before 
Yorktown,  but  remained  but  a  brief  time  away  from  the 
Regiment. 

FIRST  LIEUT.  ALEXANDER  E.  EUSTAPHEIVE, 

Co.  G,  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  on  the  organization  of 
the  Company,  and  resigned  October  14th,  1862. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  G.  W.  MARSHALL, 

Co.  G,  was  born  in  Elizabethtown,  N.  J."  March  1st, 
1840.  Removed  to  Buffalo  with  his  parents  at  an  early 
age,  where  he  remained  until  the  breaking  out  of  the 
rebellion.  Enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  Buffalo  Company, 
elected  Fifth  Sergeant  on  the  formation  of  the  Com 
pany.  Promoted  to  First  Sergeant,  May  20th,  1862, 
Second  Lieutenant,  October  15th,  1862,  and  to  First 
Lieutenant,  December  27th,  1862. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  BYRON  F.  CRAIN, 

Co.  G,  was  born  at  Manchester,  Ontario  Co.,  April  26th, 
1836.  At  ten  years  of  age  he  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Shortsville ;  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  Canandaigua 
Co.  D ;  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant,  December  27th, 
1862,  and  assigned  to  Co.  G. 

CAPTAIN  CALVIN  C.  WALKER, 

Co.    H,   was   elected   Captain  of  Co.  H,  on   its  forma- 


20  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS. 

tion.  When  the  Regiment  was  organized  at  Elniira,  ho 
was  chosen  Lieutenant-Colonel,  but  resigned  not  long 
after  reaching  Washington. 

CAPTAIN  ALEXANDER  H.  DRAKE, 

Co.  H,  was  born  at  Starkey,  Yates  County,  October  18th, 
1832.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Steuben  County,  where  he  remained  until  the  year 
1858.  Then  became  employed  as  a  clerk  in  Canandai- 
gua  and  afterwards  at  Geneva.  Enrolled  himself  as  a 
private  in  Co.  H,  elected  Second  Lieutenant  on  the 
organization  of  the  Company,  and  promoted  to  First 
Lieutenant,  May  25th,  1861.  He  was  taken  prisoner 
at  Williamsburg,  and  after  several  months'  confinement 
in  Salisbury,  North  Carolina,  was  exchanged  and  re 
turning  to  the  Regiment,  January  24th,  1862,  he  was 
promoted  to  the  Captaincy  of  Co.  H. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  REUBEN  C.  NILES, 

Co.  H,  was  elected  Orderly  Sergeant  on  the  formation 
of  the  Company,  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant,  Jan. 
24th,  1862,  and  resigned  December  27th,  owing  to  ill 
health. 

FIRST*  LIEUTENANT  MARSHALL  J.  GUION, 

Co.  II,  was  appointed  Commissary  Sergeant  at  organiza 
tion  of  Regiment.  Was  transferred  from  Co.  A,  and 
made  Second  Lieutenant  of  Co.  II,  January  24th,  1862 ; 
resigned  December  27th,  1862. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  OTIS  COLE, 

Co.  II,  was  born  in  in  Perinton,  Monroe  Co.,  Sept.  14th, 
1834.  At  nineteen  years  of  age,  entered  the  Roch- 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  21 

ester  University,  remaining  there  nearly  two  years.  Re 
turning  home,  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  growing 
until  twenty-four  years  of  age,  then  became  employed 
two  years  on  the  Michigan  Southern  railroad.  Return- 
ing  home  again,  engaged  in  nursery  and  vineyard  busi 
ness  until  August  27th,  1862,  when  he  enlisted  as  a 
private  in  a  body  of  recruits  for  the  Thirty-third.  Was 
commissioned  First  Lieutenant,  October  13th,  and  assign 
ed  to  Co.  H.  Remained  with  the  Company  until  Jan. 
27th,  when  he  was  appointed  A.  A.  G.,  First  Brigade, 
Howe's  Division.  Served  in  this  capacity,  and  also  as 
Acting  Brigade  Commissary,  until  March  23d.  April 
14th,  was  transferred  to  General  Russell's  Staff. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  SYLVESTER  PORTER, 

Co.  H,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Seneca,  Ontario  County, 
April  17th,  1842,  where  he  resided  with  his  parents 
until  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion.  Enlisted  as  a 
private  in  Co.  H,  and  was  elected  Second  Sergeant,  May 
23d,  1861.  He  was  afterwards  promoted  to  First  Ser 
geant,  and  to  Second  Lieutenant,  October  16th,  1862. 
Was  wounded,  at  the  battle  of  White  Oak  Swamp,  in 
the  left  shoulder,  and  confined  to  the  hospital  for 
two  months.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  rejoined  the 
Regiment,  and  was  again  wounded  in  the  right  thigh, 
during  the  sanguinary  struggle  on  Salem  Heights.  Re 
turned  home,  and  was  mustered  out  with  his  Company. 

CAPTAIN  JAMES  M.  LETTS, 

Co.  I,  was  engaged  in  the  Daguerrean  business  at  Penn 
Yan  on  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion  ;  was  chosen 
Captain  of  Co.  I,  on  its  organization,  and  resigned  at 
Camp  Griffin. 


22  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE    OFFICERS. 

CAPTAIN  EDWARD  E.  ROOT, 

Co.  I,  was  born  in  Washington  County,  August  24th y 
1839.  Removed  at  an  early  age  to  Yates  County. 
After  spending  several  years. at  the  Prattsburg  Academy 
and  Rochester  Commercial  College,  he  became  employed 
in  the  Stationery  House  of  George  R.  Cornwell,  Penn 
Yan,  as  confidential  clerk.  Was  elected  First  Lieu 
tenant  of  Co.  I,  on  its  organization,  and  promoted  to 
Captain,  December  27th,  1861.  He  received  a  severe 
wound  in  the  left  thigh  while  leading  his  Company  in 
the  charge  on  Marye's  Heights.  For  several  weeks 
his  life  was  despaired  of,  but  after  lying  two  months  in 
the  hospital,  he  recovered  sufficiently  to  return  home. 

CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  HALE  LONG, 

Co.  I,  was  born  in  New  York  City,  February  22nd, 
1835.  At  fifteen  years  of  age  went  to  sea.  Returned 
in  three  years ;  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  till  the 
outbreak  of  the  rebellion,  then  joined  the  Seventh  Mas 
sachusetts  as  a  private.  Was  afterwards  elected  Second 
Lieutenant  Fifth  New  York,  and  a  few  days  succeeding, 
Second  Lieutenant,  Co.  I,  Thirty-third.  After  being 
promoted  to  First  Lieutenant,  served  as  Provost  Marshal 
under  General  Brooks,  and  as  Aid-de-Camp  to  General 
Davidson.  October,  1862,  was  promoted  to  Captain,  and 
A.  A.  General,  and  assigned  to  duty  under  General 
Vinton.  Remained  with  him  until  General  Neill  took 
Command  of  the  Brigade,  when  he  became  his  A.  A 
General.  . 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  GEORGE  BRENNAN, 
Co.    I,  was   born  in  Penn    Yan,  December  18th,  1838. 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  23 

ifemaincd  there  until  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion,  when 
he  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  I.  Promoted  to  Ser 
geant,  August  1st,  1861,  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  January. 
1st,  1862,  and  to  First  Lieutenant,  December  1st,  1862, 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  CHARLES  HOWE, 

Co.  I,  was  elected  Orderly  Sergeant  at  its  organization. 
Promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant,  December  31st,  1861, 
and  resigned,  October  1862. 

CAPTAIN  PATRICK  McGRAW, 

Co.  K,  was  born  in  the  county  of  Down,  Ireland,  June 
16th,  1824.  When  seventeen  years  of  age.  enlisted  in 
the  Eighty-ninth  Regiment  English  Infantry,  serving  in 
Canada  three  years,  and  in  England,  Ireland  and  Scotland 
eleven  more.  Came  to  this  country  in  the  winter  of  1853, 
and  settled  at  Seneca  Falls.  Was  elected  Captain  of  Co. 
K,  and  remained  with  the  Regiment  till  the  close  of 
its  two  years'  campaign. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  BARNARD  BYRNE, 

Co.  K,  served  as  First  Lieutenant  of  Co.  K,  until 
severely  wounded  while  charging  up  Marye's  Heights, 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  PATRICK  RYAN, 

Co.  K,  was  elected  on  the  formation  of  the  Company, 
afterwards  resigned. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  EDWARD  CAREY, 

Co.    K,  was   appointed  to  fill  Lieutenant  Ryan's  place-, 
but  was  immediately  assigned  to  General  Smith's  StaiL 
17 


24  BIOGRAPHIES    OP   THE    OFFICERS. 


DECORUM  EST  PRO  PATRIA  MORI. 


FIRST  LIEUT.  GEORGE  W.  BROWN, 

Co.  D,  born  in  Rochester,  was  an  only  son,  and,  em 
ployed  as  mercantile  clerk,  proved  a  most  efficient 
and  trustworthy  young  business  man.  He  entered 
the  Regiment  as  a  private.  Promoted  to  Lieuten 
ant  of  Co.  D,  he  fell  mortally  wounded  at  the  battle 
of  Williamsburg.  His  agreeable  manners  and  gal 
lant  conduct  had  endeared  him  to  the  Regiment, 
every  member  of  whom  mourned  his  loss  as  if  he 
had  been  a  brother. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  MOSES  CHURCH, 

Co.  E,  was  born  in  New  England,  about  the  year 
1817.  He  was  residing  at  Geneseo  when  the  war 
commenced,  engaged  in  the  hardware  business. 
Fond  of  military  pursuits,  he  connected  himself 
with  a  Militia  company,  and  was  chosen  Lieu 
tenant.  On  the  organization  of  Co.  E.,  he  was 
elected  first  Lieutenant,  participated  in  the  various 
skirmishes  near  Washington,  and  the  battles  at  Wil 
liamsburg  and  Mechanicsville.  At  the  battle  of 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  25 

Goldeu's  Farm  he  exhibited  great  bravery,  going 
fearlessly  out  in  front  of  the  breast-work,  and  firing 
round  after  round  at  the  enemy,  until  he  fell  dead, 
pierced  through  the  head  by  a  minie  ball.  He  was 
universally  beloved  by  the  Regiment.  A  brave  sol 
dier,  and  skilful  officer,  he  died,  leaving  a  bright 
record  behind  him. 

FIRST  LIEUT.  CHARLES  D.  ROSSITER, 

Company  D,  the  youngest  son  of  WILLIAM  and 
ELECTA  B.  ROSSITER,  was  born  in  Rochester, 
New  York,  March  4th,  1842.  His  parents  soon 
after  removed  to  Little  Falls,  Herkiiner  County, 
N.  Y.,  where  his  father  died.  In  the  year  1856  he 
entered  the  Farmers  and  Mechanics'  Bank  at  Roch 
ester,  and,  writes  the  Cashier,  "  though  quite  young, 
soon  learned  to  count  money,  and  became  a  very 
rapid  and  accurate  accountant/' 

In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Co.  G,  Fifty-fourth  Regi 
ment  N.  Y.  S.  M.,  arid  was  soon  after  promoted  to 
Sergeant.  During  the  following  spring  he  was 
again  promoted  to  Orderly,  and  served  in  that  capac. 
ity  with  his  home  regiment  until  September,  when 
he  was  authorized  with  others  to  raise  a  Company  for 
the  war. 

Lieutenant  ROSSITER  was  wounded  by  a  ball, 
entering  the  left  side  and  passing  completely  through 
his  body,  in  the  fatal  retreat  of  Sedgwick's  Corps, 
after  storming  Fredericksburg  Heights.  He  was 


26  BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS. 

carried  in  a  blanket  a  short  distance  by  four  of  his 
faithful  men,  but  owing  to  the  extreme  pain  it  gave 
him,  he  asked  to  be  left  behind,  and  was  accordingly 
left  in  the  rebel  hospital  at  Banks'  Ford.  lie  lived 
just  a  week  from  the  day  he  was  wounded,  and  owing 
to  a  merciful  peculiarity  of  the  wound,  his  sufferings 
were  not  excessive.  Lieutentant  Iloach,  at  the  risk 
of  his  own  life,  succeeded  in  finding  his  body,  and 
at  dead  of  night  carried  it  on  his  shoulders  nearly 
a  mile.  Lieutenant  Rossiter's  remains  were  taken 
to  Rochester  and  interred  at  Mount  Hope,  May  20th, 
1863. 

In  a  communication  written  since  his  death,  his 
Captain  says  of  him,  "Charlie  was  ardent  and 
enthusiastic,  firmly  devoted  to  his  country's  good, 
and  he  fell  nobly,  a  martyr  to  her  cause.  I  have 
never  seen  an  officer  to  whom  the  trying  scenes  of  a 
battle-field  were  new,  bear  himself  with  more  bravery 
and  cool  courage  than  did  Charlie." 


Lines  written  on  his  death. 


Aye  !     Lay  the  banner  across  his  breast, 
With  chaplets  twine  the  marble  brow, 
It  will  be  calmer  now. 
What  boon  but  this  demand  the  brave, 
A  warrior's  fame,  a  Avarrior's  grave  ? 


BIOGRAPHIES   OF   THE   OFFICERS.  27 


This  land,  where  peace  and  plenty  reign, 

He  left  for  a  field  of  death  and  strife, 

To  offer  up,  in  Freedom's  fane, 

A  sacrifice — his  life. 

More  glorious  gift  could  mortal  give? 

He  died,  but  oh  !  his  name  shall  live. 

But  hark!  though  death  has  brought  relief, 

An  honor  saved,  a  glory  won  ; 

The  voice  of  woe,  "  My  son  !  my  son  !" 

No  wonder  if  her  grief  be  wild, 

He  was  the  widow's  only  child. 

Loved  ones,  bereaved  ones,  no  more  from  sleep 
Wake  in  the  silent  hours  wildly  to  weep; 
All  does  not,  die  with  the  swift-fleeting  breath, 
There  is  light  in  the  darkness ;  even  in  death. 


SERGEANT-MAJOR  GEORGE  W.  BASSETT 

Was  born  in  the  town  of  Barrington,  Yates  County, 
November  6,  1838.  When  the  war  broke  out,  he 
was  a  Law  Student  at  Penn  Yan.  Enlisting  as  a 
private  in  Co.  I,  he  was  chosen  Third  Sergeant, 
and  promoted  to  Sergeant-Major,  May  22nd,  1861. 
Having  borne  off  Lieutenant  Mix  from  the  battle 
field  of  Antietam,  he  returned  to  the  front  and  was 
immediately  shot  through  the  head.  By  his  winning 
ways  and  zealous  attendance  to  duties,  he  had  won 
the  esteem  of  his  officers  and  commanders,  and 
fell  universally  regretted. 


28  THE    NEW  YORK    THIRTY-THIRD    REGIMENT. 


TO  THE  NEW  YOEK  THIETY-THIED  EEGIMENT, 


BY   A.    A.    H. 

Oh  !  where  are  those  heroes  ;  the  first  in  the  fight, 
The  brave  Thirty-third  with  their  standard  so  bright, 
Unfurled  to  the  breeze  in  the  enemy's  view, 
As  they  shouted  aloud  for  the  Red,  White  and  Blue? 
We  saw  them  depart  like  a  host  from  our  shore  ; 
Their  guns  on  their  shoulders  they  gallantly  bore. 
The  path  of  their  fathers  they  fearlessly  trod  ; 
Their  bosoms  beat  proudly,  their  trust  was  in  God. 
Their  steps  never  faltered,  their  hearts  never  failed, 
At  the  glance  of  the  traitors  their  eye  never  quailed. 
On  the  red  field  of  glory  they  fought  undismayed  ; 
On  the  red  field  of  glory  their  relics  are  laid. 
Now  chant  we  their  requiem,  mournful  and  slow, 
In  deep  thrilling  tones  let  its  melody  flow  ; 
Ah  !  well  may  we  tell  of  their  triumphs  with  pride, 
Like  warriors  they  fought,  and  like  heroes  they  died  ; 
Farewell  to  the  dauntless,  farewell  to  the  brave! 
Unshrouded  they  sleep  in  a  far  distant  grave  ; 
But  fadeless,  immortal  their  memory  shall  bloom, 
And  freedom  with  roses  shall  scatter  their  tomb. 
Of  the  brave  Thirty-third  doth  a  remnant  remain, 
Whose  gallant  commander  shall  lead  them  again, 
And  the  heart  of  rebellion  grow  cold  as  it  feels 
The  plunge  of  their  weapons,  the  wounds  of  their  steel. 
Their  bright  swords  are  gleaming,  their  banner  unfurled 
By  the  soft  floating  zephyrs,  is  gracefully  curled  ; 
They  are  restless,  impatient  the  charge  to  renew, 
They  are  shouting  aloud  for  the  Red,  White  and  Blue. 


GENEEAL   ORDERS,    ETC.  29 


GENERAL  ORDERS  PERTAINING  TO  THE  ARMY. 


PICKET  DUTY. 

THIS  most  important  feature,  for  the  safety  of  an 
army,  is  perhaps  the  least  understood  of  all  that  apper 
tains  to  the  art  of  war.  As  the  same  system  is  germain 
to  all  armies,  the  following  explanation  will,  no  doubt,  be 
acceptable  in  this  volume,  as  the  duty  has  been  seldom 
described,  though  often  spoken  of,  in  the  numerous 
details  of  midnight  attacks,  and  skirmishes.  In  the  dis 
position  of,  say  two  hundred  men,  they  go  forth  to  a  point 
designated  as  the  grand  reserve,  varying  in  distance 
from  two  hundred  rods  to  nearly  a  mile  from  the  outer 
or  picket  line,  where  are  left  half  of  the  number  as  a 
reserve,  in  case  the  pickets  are  driven  in,  and  also  for 
mutual  relief  in  their  fatiguing  duties  (often  out  on 
picket  for  three  days).  Then,  to  the  right  and  nearer 
the  line,  is  stationed  an  officer  and  forty-eight  men,  who 
immediately  relieve  the  line  of  men  (who  are  out  in  front) 
sixteen  in  number,  leaving  thirty-two  men  on  the  support, 
so-called  —  or  two  more  reliefs,  relieving  each  other  every 
two  hours ;  the  same  on  the  left  support. 

When  six  hours  have  passed,  the  three  reliefs  on  each 


30  GENERAL   ORDERS,   ETC. 

support  having  stood  on  post  their  two  hours  each,  the 
Grand  Reserve  sends  out  the  ninety-six  men  who  have 
been  resting — forty-eight  to  each  support — they,  in  turn, 
going  through  the  same  routine  —  the  first  ninety-six  men 
going  back  to  the  main  reserve  to  rest,  &c.  Thus  the 
whole  thing  is  systematized,  the  Grand  Reserve  and  the 
supports  alternately  relieving  each  other,  until  the  whole 
time  for  which  they  are  detailed,  expires,  when  another 
detail  from  some  other  Regiment  relieves  the  whole  picket. 
The  Picket  Guard  is  always  commanded  by  a  Staff  Officer. 
The  following  is  a  specimen  of  an  order  from  Brigade 
Headquarters,  detailing  a  Picket  Guard  froin  the  Thirty- 
third  Regiment: 


N2  I.  GRAND    GUARDS. 


HEADQUARTERS  SD  BRIGADE,  j 
2o  DIVISION,  GTII  CORPS.     } 

(^Special    Orders.) 

Ten  Commissioned  Officers,  fifty  Non-Commissioned 
Officers,  and  three  hundred  and  fifty  Privates,  will  be 
detailed  from  the  Thirty-third  Regiment  N.  Y.  S.  Volun- 


31 

teers,  for  Picket  Guards,  and  will  mount  at  9.30  A.  M. 

MAJOR  JOHN  S.  PLATNER,.33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  and  AS 
SISTANT-SURGEON  RICHARD  CURRAN,  of  the  same  Regi 
ment,  will  accompan}7  the  detail,  which  is  to  remain  on 
duty  for  three  successive  days. 

Grand  Guard  Mounting  will  be  had  according  to  But- 
terfield's  System,  on  which  a  Division  Staff  Officer  will 
perform  the  duties  of  Assistant- Adjutant-General  of 
Brigade,  and  a  Brigade  Staff  Officer  will  act  as  Regi 
mental  Adjutant.  By  command  of 

BRIG.  GENERAL  THOS.  H.  NEILL. 
W.  H,  LONG, 

Captain  and  A.  Gen'L 


HEADQUARTERS  GTH  ARMY  CORPS,  ) 
February  25th,  1863.       } 

(Orders.) 

COLONEL  R.  F.  TAYLOR,  Commanding  First  Brigade 
Second  Division,  is  detailed  as  General  Officer  of  the  day 
for  to-morrow,  and  will  report  at  these  Headquarters  at  9 
o'clock,  A.  M.  By  command  of 

MAJOR  GENERAL  SEDGWICK. 

(Signed)        C.  A.  WHITTIER, 

Captain  and  A.  A.  A.  General 

HEADQUARTERS  2o  DIVISION,         ) 
GTH  CORPS,  February  25,  1863.    J 


E.  MATTOCK, 

Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  Gen'l, 
17A 


32  GENERAL   ORDERS,    ETC. 

HEADQUARTERS  IST  BRIGADE,  2D  DIVISION,  ) 
GTH  CORPS,  March  12th,  1863.         } 

[Special   Orders  No.  7.] 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  L.  C.  Mix,  33d  N.   Y.  S.  V.,  is 
hereby   detailed  on   special  duty  at  these  Headquarters. 
He  will  report  to  Colonel  TAYLOR  for  duty  at  once. 
By  order  of 

COLONEL  TAYLOR, 

Commanding  \st  Brigade. 

JOHN  W.  CORNING, 
Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  Gen' I. 


HEADQUARTERS  2o  DIVISION,  ) 
GTH  CORPS,  March  14th,  1863.     j 

[Special  Orders  No.   51.] 

LIEUTENANT  WILLIAM  E.  ROACH,  Co.  B,  33d  N.  Y. 
8.  V.,  is  detailed  for  duty  in  the  Ambulance  Corps.  He 
will  report,  without  delay,  to  Lieutenant  WOOD,  Com 
manding  Ambulance  Corps.  By  order  of 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  HOWE. 
(Signed)         E.  MATTOCKS, 

Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  Gen'l. 

HEADQUARTERS  IST  BRIGADE,  2o  DIVISION,  ) 
GTH  CORPS,  March  16th,  1863.         j 

[Official] 

JOHN  W.  CORNING, 

Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  Gen'L 


GENERAL   ORDERS,   ETC.  33 

HEADQUARTERS  3o  BRIGADE,  2o  DIVISION,  ) 
GTH  CORPS,  April  15th,  1863.       } 

[Circular.'] 

I.  On  the   march  blankets   and  shelter-tents  will  be 
worn  diagonally  over  the  shoulder,  from  right  shoulder  to 
left  side  j  overcoats  will  be  rolled  and  packed  on  the  top 
of  the  knapsacks. 

II.  The  rations  will  be  carried  precisely  as  ordered  in 
circular  from  these  Headquarters  of  April  13,  1863. 

III.  The  surplus  clothing,  not  already  disposed  of,  will 
be  packed  in  cracker-boxes,  marked  and  sent  to  the  barge, 
awaiting   transportation    to   Washington.      The    instruc 
tions  contained  in  General  Orders  No.  155,  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  1862,  in  regard  to  the  duties  of  Commanders 
of  Regiments   and   Companies   towards  their  Commands, 
whilst  on  the  march,  will  be  strictly  observed.     No  man 
will  leave  his  Command  without  proper  authority  in  writ 
ing. 

IV.  Commanding  Officers  of  Regiments  will  be  held 
responsible  for  the  execution  of  tnese  orders. 

By  command  of 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  NEILL, 

WILLIAM  H.  LONG, 

Captain  and  A.  A.  Gen'l. 


MEDICAL  DIRECTOR'S  OFFICE,  ~) 

HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  [• 

Camp  near  Falmouth,  Va.,  March  9th,  1863.       ) 

£  Circular.] 
GENERAL  : — I  have  the  honor  to  invite  the  attention  of 


84  GENERAL    ORDERS,    ETC. 

the  Commanding  General  to  a  practice  quite  prevalent  in 
the  army ;  that  of  excavating  the  earth,  building  a  hut 
over  the  hole,  and  covering  it  over  with  brush  and  dirt 
and  canvass. 

This  system  is  exceedingly  pernicious,  and  must  have 
a  deleterious  effect  upon  the  health  of  the  troops  occupy 
ing  these  abominable  habitations ;  they  are  hot-beds  of 
low  forms  of  fever,  and  when  not  productive  of  such  dis 
eases,  the  health  of  the  men  is  undermined,  even  if  they 
are  not  compelled  to  report  sick. 

I  strongly  recommend  that,  in  huts  covered  by  canvass, 
the  covering  be  removed  at  least  twice  a  week,  if  the 
weather  permit,  and  the  men  throughout  the  army  be 
compelled  to  hang  their  bedding  in  the  open  air  every 
clear  day.  I  am,  General, 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  Servant, 
(Signed)     JNO.  LETTERMAN, 

Medical  Director  A.  P. 


HEADQUARTERS  2i>  DIVISION,     ) 
GTH  CORPS,  March  16, 1863.  ) 

[Official  Copy.'} 

Brigade  Commanders  of  the  Second  Division  will  take 
immediate  measures  to  carry  out  the  recommendation  in 
the  above  order.  By  order  of 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  HOWE. 

(Signed)     E.  MATTOCKS, 

Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  Gen'l. 


ETC.  35 

HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  ") 
March  15th,  1863.     *     '  j 
[Official  Copy.'} 

Respectfully  furnished  for  the  information  of  the  Com 
manding  Officer  of  Sixth  Corps,  who  will  at  once  take 
measures  to  carry  into  effect  the  recommendations  of  the 
Medical  Director.  By  command  of 

MAJOR  GENERAL  HOOKER. 
(Signed)     S.  WILLIAMS,  A.  A.  General. 

HEADQUARTERS  GTH  CORPS,  ) 
March  15th,  1863.  } 

[Official  Copy.'} 

The  attention  of  Division  Commanders  is  called  to  the 
above.  By  command  of 

MAJOR  GENERAL  SEDGWICK. 
(Signed)     C.  A.  WHITTIER, 

Captain  and  A.' A.  A.  Gen' I. 

HEADQUARTERS  IST  BRIGADE,  2o  DIVISION,  | 
GTH  CORPS,  March  17th,  1863.       j 
[Official  Copy.] 

Regimental  Commanders  in  this  Brigade  will  see  that 
the  above  order  is  strictly  complied  with.     By  order  of 
COLONEL  R.  F.  TAYLOR, 

Commanding  First  Brigade. 
Lucius  €.  Mix, 

Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  3o  BRIGADE,  ) 

SMITH'S  DIVISION,  August  8th,  1862.     j 

[Special  Orders  No.  180.] 

A  Board  of  Survey  will  assemble  at  the  Quartermas 
ter's  Department  of  the  Thirty-third  New  York  State 


36  GENERAL   ORDERS,    ETC. 

Volunteers,   at  3   o'clock,  P.  M.,  to-day,  to  examine  into 
and  report  upon  a  quantity  of  bacon  issued  to  the  Thirty- 
third  Regiment  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  by  the  Third  Brigade,  C.  S., 
on  the  7th  instant.     Tho  bacon  is  reported  unfit  for  issue. 
The  Board  will  make  a  full  report. 
Detail  for  the  Board  : 

CAPT.  PATRICK  McGrRAW,  Co.  K, ") 
LIEUT.  L.  C.  Mix,  Co.  C,  [  33d  N.  Y.  V. 

LIEUT.  P.  W.  BAILEY,  Co.  D,        J 
By  order  of 

LIEUT.-COL.  JOS.  W.  CORNING, 

Commanding  Third  Brigade. 
W.  H.  CAMERON, 

A.  A.  A.  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  IST  BRIGADE,  2D  DIVISION  ) 
6TH  CORPS,  March  4th,  1863.      j 

[Special  Orders."] 

Private — ,  Co.  G,  Thirty-third  New 

York  State  Volunteers,  is  hereby  detailed  on  "extra  duty" 
in  the  Brigade  Commissary  Department.  He  will  reports 
to  Lieutenant  OTIS  COLE,  A.  C.  S.  of  this  Brigade,  with 
the  least  possible  delay.  By  order  of 

COLONEL  R.  F.  TAYLOR, 

Commanding  First  Brigade. 
Lucius  C.  Mix, 
Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  General. 


Charges  and  Specifications  against  Private 


,  of  Company ,  Thirty-third  Regiment 


New  York  State  Volunteers. 


GENERAL   ORDERS,    ETC.  37 


CHARGE. 

Violation  of  the  21st  Article  of  War. 

SPECIFICATION. 

In  this  that  said  Private 


of  Company ,  Thirty-third  Regiment  New  York  State 

Volunteers,  did,  without  leave  of  his  Commanding  Offic3r, 
absent  himself  from  his  Camp  and  Company  at  about  nine 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  of  the  12th  day  of  December,  1861,  and 
remained  absent  until  about  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  of  the 
13th  day  of  December,  1861 ;  this  at  Camp  Griffin,  near 
Lewinsville,  Virginia. 

Lieut.  Commanding  Co. ZZdReg'tN.  Y.  S.  V. 

Witnesses  j 

FURLOUGH  FOR  ENLISTED  MEN. 

To  all  whom  it  may  Concern  : 

The  bearer  hereof,  —  ,  Private, 

of  Captain Js  Company  [ ],  Regi 
ment  of  New  York  State  Volunteers  ;  aged years,  — 

feet inches   high, complexion, eyes, 

hair,  and  by  profession  a   ; — 

born  in of ,  and  enlisted 

at in   the of 

on  the day  of ,  eighteen  hundred 

and to  serve  for  the  period  of years, 

is  hereby  permitted  to  go  to ,  in  the 

county  of ,  State  of 

he  having  received  a  furlough  from  the day  of 

186 — ,  to  the—     —day  of  -  — ,  186—,  at 

which  period  he  will  rejoin  his  Company  and  Regiment  at 

— ,  or  wherever  it  then  may 
be,  or  be  considered  a  deserter. 


38  GENERAL   ORDERS,   ETC. 

Subsistence  has  been  furnished  to  said- 


to  the day  of ,  186 — 

and  pay  to  the  —   -  day  of  -  — ,  186 — ,  both 

inclusive. 

Given  under  ray  hand   at 

this  -    -  day  of  -  — ,  186—. 

R.  F.  TAYLOR, 

Commanding  Regiment. 

FURLOUGH. 

,  a  Private  of  Company  — ,   Thirty-third  Regi 
ment  New  York  State  Volunteers. 

Recommended  for  —  days,  for  the  following  reasons : 
Absent  at  present  two  (2). 

The  Regiment  is  entitled  to  ten  enlisted  men  on  fur 
lough  at  once. 

MAJOR  JNO.  S.  PLATNER, 

Cammanding  Regiment. 


HEADQUARTERS, BRIGADE,  ) 

,  186-.      } 

Approved  for  ten  days,  and  respectfully  forwarded. 
R,  F.  TURNER, 

Commanding  Brigade. 


HEADQUARTERS, ,  DIVISION,  > 

,  186-.      } 

Approved  for  ten  days,  and  respectfully  forwarded. 

THOS.  H.  NEILL, 
Brig.  Gen.  Commanding  Division. 


ETC.  39 

HEADQUARTERS,  -  -  GTH  CORPS,  ) 

,  186-.     } 

Approved  for  ten  days.     By  command  of 

MAJOR  GENERAL  SEDGWICK. 
C.  A.  WHITTIER, 

Captain  and  A.  A.  A.  Genl. 


HEADQUARTERS,  SD  BRIGADE,  ) 
2D  DIVISION,  GTH  CORPS,  j 

Brigade  Orders,  No.  5. 

The  following  calls,   emanating  from  these  Headquar 
ters,  will  hereafter  be  sounded  : 

Reveille,  at__ Daybreak. 

Surgeon's  Call,   at __ 7.00A.M. 

Breakfast,  at.. 7.30  A.  M. 

Guarding  Mounting, 8.00  A.  M. 

Drill  Call,  at 9.30  A.  M. 

Recall  from  Drill,  at 11.45  A.  M. 

Dinner,  at 12.00    M. 

Drill  Call, _ _..   2.00  P.  M. 

Recall  from  Drill, 4.UO*P.  M. 

First  Call  for  Dress  Parade  (Assembly), 5.15  P.  M. 

Adjutant's  Call  to  form  Parade, 5.45  P.M. 

Tattoo, 8.30  P.M. 

Taps,... 9.00  P.  M. 

By  order  of 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  T.  H.  NEILL. 

WM.  H.  LONG, 

Captain  and  A.  A.  General. 


COMPANY   A.  41 


REGIMENTAL  RECORD. 


The  following  memoranda,  copied  from  the  Company 
Rolls,  exhibits  the  record  of  each  man  who  enlisted  in  the 
Regiment,  from  the  time  of  his  entrance  until  the  termi- 

O  ' 

nation  of  his  connection  with  it,  and  may  be  relied  upon : 
COMPANY  A. 

Guion,  George  M.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls, ;  resigned 
September  28th,  1862  ;  being  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel,  148  X.  Y.  Tols. 

Tyler,  Edwin  J..  Captain,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861, at  Seneca  Falls;  served  as  First 
Lieutenant  from  date  of  enrolment  to  September  2Sth,  1862 ;  promoted  to  Cap 
tain,  October  1st,  1862. 

Bailey,  Pryce  W.,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  serv 
ed  as  2nd  Lieutenant  from  date  of  enrolment  to  May  21st,  1S62;  promoted  to 
First  Lieutenant,  May  21«t;  on  detached  service  since  Jan.  2Sth,  1863,  as  As- 
sistant-Inspector-General  of  Third  Brigade  Second  Division  Sixth  Corps. 

Sibbalds.  Thomas  II.,  Second  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls; 
served  as  Sergeant,  to  October  3uth.  1862,  from  date  of  enrolment;  promoted 
to  Second  Lieutenant,  October  31st,  1862. 

Randolph.  Archibald  B.,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls; 
served  as  First  Sergeant,  from  date  of  enrolment ;  wounded  in  action  of  May 
4th,  at  Fredericksburg  t  paroled. 

Proudfoot,  William,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  serv 
ed  as  Sergeant,  from  date  of  enrolment;  wounded  in  action  of  May  4th,  at 
Fredericksburg :  paroled. 

Fennel,  Robert,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  promoted  to 
Corporal,  August  12th,  1861;  promoted  to  Sergeant,  December  1st,  1862. 

Armstrong.  Edwin  J.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  pro 
moted  to  Corporal,  August  12th,  1861;  promoted  to  Sergeant,  November 
1st,  1862. 

Lawrence,  David,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  pro 
moted  to  Corporal,  July  21st,  1862;  promoted  to  Sergeant,  January  1st,  1863; 
wounded  in  action  of  May  4th,  at  Fredericksburg. 

O'Neil,  Daniel  0.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861, at  Seneca  Falls;  taken  pris 
oner,  May  4th  ;  now  paroled  ;  taken  at  Fredericksburg. 

Goodman,  Levi,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 

Campion,  Andrew  A.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wound 
ed  in  Action  of  May  4th,  at  Fredericksburg. 

McDonald.  John,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  promoted  to 
Corporal,  January  1st,  1863 ;  taken  prisoner ;  now  paroled. 


42  COMPANY   A. 

Boyle,  Lawrence,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  18G1,  at  Seneca  Falls;  promoted  to 

Corporal,  January  1st,  1863. 
Birdsall,  Jeffrey  W.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls ;  promoted 

to  Corporal,  January  1st,  1863. 

Hacker,  William  F.,  Corporal,  enlisted  October  15,  1861,  at  Sfneca  Falls;  promoted 
to  Corporal.  January  1st,  1863 ;  wounded  in  action.  Mav  4th,  at  Fredericksbure 
and  in  hospital  at  Elmira,  New  York. 

Allen,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Fall*. 
Anderson,  Patrick,  Private,  enlisted  February  20th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls  •  wound 
ed  lit  Antictam,  Maryland,  September  17fh.  1862^ 
Bird,  James  P.,  Private,  enlisted  January  1st,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Bishop,  Milton  W.,  Private,  enlisted  October  7th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  in  hos 
pital  at  Philadelphia.  Pcnn.,  since  July  3d,  1862. 
Clark,  Thomas  W.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wounded  at 

Antietam,  September  17th,  1862. 

Clark,  William.  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Corrgell,  Benjamin  S.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Candler,  George  A.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Conley,  Isaac,  Private,  enlisted  November  7th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  taken  pris 
oner  in  action  of  May  4th.  at  Fredericksburg ;  now  paroled  ;  has  been  in  hos 
pital  from  November  8th,  1862,  to  May  1st,  1863. 
Fulkerson,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Hendricks,  J.  Warren,  Private,  enlisted  May 9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  in  hospi 
tal,  Washington,  D.  C.;  left  arm  amputated  from  wound  received  in  action  Maj 
4th,  at  Fredericksburg. 

Hammond,  Franklin,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Humphrey,  Irwin  P.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  wounded 

May  4th,  at  Fredericksburg;  naw  in  hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Jones,  Jacob  K.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Kohles,  Frederick,  Private,  enlisted  October  7th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Lemons,  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  taken  pris 
oner  June  30th,  1862,  before  Richmond;  was  paroled  September  18th,  1862. 
Lewis,  Harrison  W.,  Private,  enlisted  February  Cth,  1862.  at  Seneca  Falls ;  wound 
ed  in  action  of  May  4th,  1863,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  now  in  hospital  at  Poto 
mac  Creek,  Va. 

McLaughlin,  Michael,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Metzler,  George,  Private,   enlisted  October  7th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  taken  pris 
oner  May  4th,  1863,  at  Frodericksburg,  Va. ;  now  paroled. 
Miller,  David  P.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  taken  prisoner 

May  4th,  1863,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.;  now  paroled. 
Miller,  Frank,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Niles,  Albert,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Pow,  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wounded  in  ac 
tion  of  May  4th,  1863,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Poquctt,  Magoir  M.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wounded 
in  action  of  May  4th,  1863,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va. ;  now  in  hospital  in  Mew- 
York. 

Quinn,  Peter,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  in  hospital,  George 
town,  D.  C.,  since  August  4th,  1862. 

Randolph,  Alonzo  T.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Rees,  Solomon.  Private,  enlisted  February  7th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Rooney,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Kafferty,  Mathew,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Ryan,  Patrick.  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wounded  in  ac 
tion  of  May  4th,  18(33,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

Smith,  Charles  T.,  Private,  enlisted  October  12th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wounded 
in  action  at  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17th,  1862;  in  hospital  until  May  18th, 
1863. 

Vantasscl.  Isaac,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Vandenberg,  Jacob,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca.  Falls;  in  hospital 

at  Hagerstown,  Md.,  since  October  1st,  1862;  probably  dead. 
Whitlock,  Edwin,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls. 
Wait,  Washington,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wounded  in 
action  of  May  4th,  1863,  at  Fredericksburg;  in  hospital  at  Potomac  Creek,  Va. 


COMPANY   A.  43 

Whitcomb,  Charles,  Private,  enlisted  October  18th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wound 
ed  in  action  of  May  4th,  1863,  at  Fredericksburg;  now  paroled. 

KILLED. 

Rees,  Edwin  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  killed  in  action  be 
fore  Richmond.  Va..  Juno  28th,'  1862. 

Seigfred,  Charles  P.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1S61,  at  Seneca  Falls;  killed  inac 
tion  at  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17th,  1862. 

Reynolds,  Frank  Private,  enlisted  August  8th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  killed  inac 
tion  at  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17th,  1862. 

Clark,  Andrew  J..  Private:  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  killed  in  action 
of  May  4th,  1863,  at  Fredericksburg. 

DIED. 

Balch  Ambrose,  Private, enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  of  disease 
in  hospital.  Providence,  K.  I.,  October  14th,  1862. 

firewater,  Hi  ram  W.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  of  dis 
ease  in  hospital,  Washington,  D.  C.,  August  3d,  1861. 

Folwell,  James  D..  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,1861,at  Seneca  Falls  ;  died  of  disease 
in  hospital,  New  York.  August  15th,  1862. 

Force,  John.  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  of  disease  in 
hospital.  Alexandria,  Va.,  October  15th,  1862. 

Hulse,  John  0.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1SG1,  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  in  hospital, 
Georgetown,  D.  C..  September  4th,  1861. 

Llovii.  llenjamin,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  in  hospi 
tal,  Georgetown.  D.  C.,  January  nib,  1862. 

Mullen,  John  W.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  at  Camp 
White  Oak  Church,  Va.,  December  21st,  1862. 

Niles,  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  in  hospital 
at  Elmira.  N.  Y.,  July  8th,  1861. 

Woods,  David,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  died  in  hospital  at 
Washington.  D.C.,  October  2d,1802. 

Wells,  George  H.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1S61,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  wounded  in 
action  of  May  4tb,  1863,  at  Fredericks'burg,  Va.;  died  at  Potomac  Creek,  Va., 
May  14th,  1863. 

Kelner,  Oliver  F.,  Private,  enlisted  October  7th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  died  in 
hospital,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  October  14th,  1862. 

DESERTED. 

Alfred,  Edwin,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,lS61,at  Seneca  Falls;  deserted  May  5th, 
1862,  Williams-burg,  Va. 

Hardenbrook.  Charles  C.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  desert 
ed  October  2-ith.  1861,  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Va. 

Howard,  George  W.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  deserted 
October  2oth,  1S61,  Fort  Ethan  Allen.  Va. 

Pierson.  John  M.  Jr.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls:  deserted 
December  llth,  1862,  from  hospital,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Carl,  Patrick.  Private,  enlisted  January  1st,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  deserted  May 
7th,  1862,  from  Williamsburg,  Va. 

DISCHARGED. 

Bellows.  Henry,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for 
disability,  July  26th,  1862,  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va. 

Monarchy,  John,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged 
for  disability.  October  14th,  1862,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Valentine,  William  W.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9lh,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  dis 
charged  for  disability.  December  3d,  1862,  at  Newark,  N.  J. 

Roach,  Peter,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for 
disability,  December  26th,  1S62,  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va, 


44  COMPANY   A. 

Beebe,  James  A.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  discharged  with 
Band,  by  general  order,  July  '24th,  1862,  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va. 

Fitzgerald,  Edward,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged 
for  disability,  September  8th,  1802,  at  hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Green,  William  II.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged 
for  disability,  December  27th,  1861,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 

Oillett.  John  O.,  Corporal  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for 
disability,  Mareh  26th,  1862,  at  Hospital,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Thayer,  William  J.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9'h.  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  discharg 
ed  for  disability,  July  26th,  1862,  at  hospital.  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Hotchkiss,  John  L.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  discharged 
for  disability,  March  10th,  1862,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 

Kincaid.  John.  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for 
disability,  Jan.  6th,  1863  at  hospital,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Martetl,  Paul,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for  dis 
ability,  January  7th,  1861,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 

Proudfoot,  George,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  discharged 
for  disability,  November  27th,  1861.  at  hospital,  Georgetown,  D.  C. 

Pay,  Jacob,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  wounded  at  Antie- 
tam,  September  17th,  1862;  discharged  January  16th,  1863.  at  Harrisburg,  Pa. 

Sullivan,  Dennis,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1S61,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for 
disability,  January  13th,  1862,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 

Vandersen,  Richard,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged 
for  disability,  December  20th,  1862,  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va. 

Buckley,  Julias,  Private,  enlisted  October  1st,  1S61,  at  Seueca  Falls:  discharged  for 
disability,  July  20th,  1862,  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va. 

Ireland,  David  II.,  Private,  enlisted  October  1st,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  discharged 
for  disability,  March  10th,  1861,  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 

Miller,  Hiram,  Private,  enlisted  October  15th,'  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged 
lor  disability,  December  26th,  1862,  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va. 

Steckel,  John,  Private,  enlisted  October,  16th,  1861, at  Seneca  Falls  ;  discharged  for 
disability,  September  8th,  1862,  in  hospital. 

Whitbeck,  Daniel,  Private,  enlisted  October  1st,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharg 
ed  for  disability,  September  8th,  1862,  in  hospital. 

Bennett,  James,  Private,  enlisted  February  10th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharg 
ed  for  disability,  December  2,  1862,  at  Annapolis,  Md. 

Seigfred,  William,  Private,  enlisted  February  20th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  dis 
charged  for  disability,  March  2d,  1863,  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va. 

Salvage,  Luther,  Private,  enlisted  January  1st,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  discharged 
for  disability,  September  8th,  1862;  re-enlisted  in  148th  N.  Y.  S.  Vol.;  again 
discharged  .  . 

Brown,  Isaac,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for  dis 
ability,  January  1st,  1863,  at  Convalesceant  Camp,  Alexandria. 

Smith,  William  II.,  Private,  enlisted  October  15th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls;  di»- 
Ohftrged  for  disability,  February  25th,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Coshner.  Joshua,  Private,  enlisted  November  29th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  discharg 
ed  for  disability,  January  13th,  1863,  at  White  Oak  Church.  Va. 

Sebar,  Henry  A.,  Private,  enlisted  April  1st,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  discharged  for 
disability,  August  loth,  1862,  at  Liberty  Hall  Hospital,  Va. 

Pugh,  Mordecai  M.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls ;  discharged 
for  disability,  August  1st,  1862,  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Bacon,  Orlando,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  transferred  to  N. 

C.  Staff,  and  promoted  to  Sergeant-Major. 
Holly,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  transferred  to  Band, 

and  discharged  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va, 
Smith,  William  M.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861.  at  Seneca  Falls;  transferred 

to  Band,  and  discharged  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va. 
Guion,  John  M.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  transferred  to 

Company  II,  and  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant. 
Haas,  Luther  R.,  Private,  enlisted  August  28th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falla ;  transferred 


COMPANY   B.  45 

to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Regiment  N.  Y.  S.  Vol.,  Maj 
15th, 1863. 

Jardine,  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  August  27th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  transferred 
to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Keg't  N.  Y.  S.  Vol.,  paroled. 

Eherman  Charles  W.,  Private,  enlisted  August  13th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  trans 
ferred  to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Reg't  N.  Y.  S.  Vol.,  Maj 
15th, 1863. 

Bmalldridge,  James  II.,  Private,  enlisted  August  7th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls ;  trans 
ferred  to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Reg't  N.  Y.  S.  Vol.,  May 
loth,  1863. 

A-Bpell,  James,  Private,  enlisted  August  27th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls :  transferred  to 
Company  D.  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Regiment  N.  Y.  S.  Vol.,  May  15th, 
1863. 

Babcock,  Amc«  R.,  Private,  enlisted  August  27tb,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  transfer 
red  to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V..  attached  to  49th  Reg't  N.  Y.  S.  Vol.,  May 
li-th.  1863. 

Beebe,  James  K.,  Private,  enlisted  August  29th.  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  transferred 
to  Brigade  Band,  by  order  of  General  Franklin. 

Beeo,  John.  Private,  enlisted  August  27th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  transferred  to 
Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Regt  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  May  loth.  1863. 

Ferran,  Eclmond,  Private,  enlisted  August  27th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  transferred 
to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Reg't  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  May  15th, 
1863. 

Gott,  Charles.  Private,  enlisted  August  27th,  1861,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  transferred  to 
Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Reg't  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  May  15th,  1863. 

Proudfoot,"john.  Private,  enlisted  August  30th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls;  transferred 
to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Reg't  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  May  15th, 
1863. 

Bchoonoven,  David, Private,  enlisted  August  30th,  1862,  at  Seneca  Falls  :  transfer 
red  to  Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  attached  to  49th  Reg't  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  May  15th, 
1863. 


COMPANY  B. 

Corning,  Joseph  "W.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Captain  to  Oc 
tober  3d,  1861,  then  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel,  vice  Calvin  Walker  re 
signed. 

White,  Josiah  J.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  First  Lieutenant 
to  October  3d,  1861,  then  promoted  to  Captain,  vice  Joseph  W.  Corning  pro 
moted;  resigned  at  White  House,  Va.,  May  20,  1862. 

Draime,  Henry  J.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Second  Lieuten 
ant  to  October  3d,  1861,  then  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant,  vice  J.  J.  White, 
promoted ;  was  First  Lieutenant  from  that  date  to  May  20th,  1862;  then  pro 
moted  to  Captain,  vice  J.  J.  White,  resigned. 

Corning.  John  W.,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  September  26th,  1861,  at  Palmyraj 
appointed  Second  Lieutenant  November  30th,  1861,  vice  Henry  J.  Draime,  pro 
moted;  promoted,  May  20th,  1862,  to  First  Lieutenant,  vice  Henry  J.  Draime 
promoted  ;  appointed  Adjutant  November  1st,  1862,  vice  Sutton,  resigned. 

Mix,  Lucius  C.,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  Second  Lien- 
tenant  of  Co.  C.  to  October  17th.  1862,  then  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant,  and 
transferred  to  Co.  B,  vice  John  W.  Corning,  appointed  Adjutant. 

Carter,  John  J.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda;  Private 
from  date  of  enrolment  in  Co.  F,  Captain  James  McNair,  to  September  1,  1862; 
then  appointed  Commissary  Sergeant;  served  as  such  to  May  22d,  1862;  then 
appointed  Second  Lieutenant,  vice  J.  W.  Corning  promoted. 

McO.il.  Sanford,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra ;  Private  from 
date  of  enrolment  to  February  17th,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Corporal,  served  to 
July  1st,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Sergeant;  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant, 
December  1st,  1862,  vice  John  Allice,  discharged;  wounded  May  4th,_1863,  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va. 


46 


COMPANY    B. 


Sours,  William,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra ;  Corporal  Irora  date 
of  enrolment  to  February  17th,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Sergeant. 

Birdsall,  John,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  nt  Palmyra;  Corporal  from  date 
of  enrolment  to  October  1st,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Sergeant. 

Crane,  Henry,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  nt  Palmyra;  Private  from  data 
of  enrolment  to  February  17th,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Corporal;  then  pro 
moted  to  Sergeant,  December  1st.  1862. 

Harris,  Solon  C.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Palmyra  ;  Private  from  date 
of  enrolment  to  January  1st,  1863;  then  promoted  to  Sergeant. 

Everett,  Washington,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  wounded 
May  3d,  1863,  at  Frederickslmrg,  Ya. 

Turner,  Richard,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861 ;  Private  from  date  of  enrol 
ment  to  October  1st,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Corporal. 

Stickles, Griffin,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1801,  at  Palmyra  ;  Private  from  data 
of  enrolment  to  December  1st,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Corporal. 

Mephaui,  lienjamin,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Private  from 
date  of  enrolment  to  December  1st,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Corporal, 

Clemmens,  John,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Private  from  date 
of  enrolment  to  December  1st,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Corporal. 

Murphy,  John,  Corporal,  enlisted  Sept.  21st.  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Private  from  dato 
of  enrolment  to  March  20th,  1863;  then  promoted  to  Corporal. 

Geer,  Charles,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Private  from  date  of 
enrolment  to  March  20th,  1863  ;  then  promoted  to  Corporal. 

Albrey.e,  (Jotleib,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra. 

Brook  ins,  William,        "  •'  "  '•'  " 


Becker,  Lewis  C 
Beck,  William,  " 

Bennett,  Charles  W.,    " 
Camp,  Lewis,  .    *• 

Clevenger,  Samuel  B.,  " 
Clum,  Chanccy  J., 


Sept.  16th, 


"  «15tb,  "  " 

*    May  9th,      "  « 

«  "  «      Absent  sick  at  bos- 

pital,  of  wounds  since  September  17th,  1862 ;  place  unknown. 
Dake,  Koyal  E.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Corporal  from  date 

of  enrolment  to  February  17th,  1862;  then  promoted  to  Sergeant,  October  7th, 

1862. 

Dillon,  William.  Private,  enlisted  July  5th,  1861,  at  Palmyra. 
Eisentruger,  Charles  F."  "      May  9th,   1861, 

Orattan.  John,  "  "  " 

Gilbert,  William  S.,       "  "  "  "  " 

Held,  John,  «  "  "  "  " 

Hill,  Mnnsun  0,  "  "  "  " 

Henderson,  Albert,        "  "  "  " 

Hibbard,  Thomas  P.,     "  "    July  5th,      " 

Huxley,  John.  "  «     May  9th,      "  " 

Howell,  Alfred,  " 

Hanley,  Thomas, 
Jarvis,  John  P., 

of  enrolment  to  October  1st,  1862. 
Jarvis,  Kdward,  Private,  enlisted  October  15th,  1SG1,  at  Rochester;  wounded  May 

3d,  1863. 

Jacksjn,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra. 
Johnson,  James,         '"  "      Oct.  19th,     " 

Johnson.  John,  «      May  9th,     " 

Johnson,  Thomas,          "  "  " 

Kramar,  John, 

Lee,  Mason,  wounded  May  4. 

Little,  Jolm,  «•  " 

Lennon,  John,  " 

Moshcr,  Lewis.  •'  " 

McQuire,  Barney.         "  "      Sept.  21at,  " 

MOS.S,  Hnbbard  M,        "  "  " 

Natt,  Valentine,  "  "      May  9th,    " 

Palmer,  Clinton  8.,        "  c;  Orderly  Sergeant 

from  date  of  enrolment  to  December  17th,  1S62. 


"     Sergeant  from  data 


COMPANY   B.  47 

Parks,  Erastus  B..  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra. 

Posse,  John, 

Quinn,  John,  "  " 

Ridley,  Nathaniel  15.,  "  "  " 

Sanders.  WintieldS.,  "  "  Oct.  19th,   "                   « 

Shear,  John,  "  "  Sept.  "2 1st,  "                    M 

Smith,  .liihn  II..  "  "  May  9th,      " 

Smith.  Frank.  "  "  "            " 

Smith.  William  M.,  "  "  Sept.  15th,    " 

Struchin,  Alexander,  "  "  May  9th,      " 

Turner.  George, 

Vand vne.  Jaine*,  "  "  Sept.  19th,    " 

Vosbur-h,  James,  "  "  "     18th,    " 

Vanderwerken.  Jason,  "  "  July  -r>th,      " 

Wexinuth,  George,  "  "  May  9th.      " 

KILLED. 

Bennett.  Addison,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  killed  inaction 

Juno  28th,  1862. 
Gardner,  George  W., Private,  enlisted  May  9th.lS61,  at  Palmyra  ;  killed  inaction 

June  28th.  1862. 
Knowles,  Lewis.  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1S61,  at  Palmyra;  killed  in  action 

June  2Sth,  1862. 
Deyoe,  Francis,  Private,  enlisted  August  ISth,  1S62,  at  Palmyra;  killed  in  action 

May  4th,  1863. 

MISSING  IN  ACTION. 

Hoffman,  John,  Private,  enlisted  September  2d,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  missing  iu  ao- 
tion  May  4th,  1863. 

tngraham,  William  L.,  Private,  enlisted  August  30th,  1862,  at  Rochester;  wound 
ed  May  4th,  1863. 

DIED. 

Hart,  David,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease  at  Camp 

Griffin,  Va.,  January  3, 1S62. 
Mead,  Albert,  Private,  enlisted  October  22d,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease  at 

Camp  Griffin,  Va.,  February  17th,  1862. 
Kelloir;,  James.  Private,  eulfsted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease  at 

Georgetown,  D.  C.,  May  23d,  1862. 
Sherman,  Jacob.  Private"  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease  at 

Alexandria,  Va  ,  March  22d,  1352. 
Ottman,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease  at 

Alexandria,  Va..  September  26th,  1863. 
Kelly,  Hiram  II.,  Private,   enlisted    May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease 

at'Palmyia,  N.  Y  ,  October  14th.  1862. 
Lenhart,  Samuel,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease 

itt    Hagerstown,  Md.,  October  15th,  1862. 
Kellogg,  Era.-tus.  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1S61,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease  at 

"White  Oak  Church,  Va.,  December  25th,  1862. 

Sedgwick.  George.  Private,  enlisted  August  25th.  1862,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  dis 
ease  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va.,  February  24th,  1863. 
Coon  en,  Michael,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  9t'h,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  died  of  disease  at 

White  Oak  Church,  Va.,  March  19th,  1863. 

DESERTED. 

Reynold*.  Billing',  Private,  enlisted  July  5th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  deserted  from 

Camp  Griffin,  Va.,  March  20th,  1862. 
Hill,  Silas,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  desertoJ  from  Chicka- 

hominy,  Va.,  June  5th,  1S62. 

18 


48  COMPANY   B. 

Hill,  William  B.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  deserted  from 
Chickahominy,  Va.,  June  8th,  1862. 

Armstrong,  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1S61,  at  Palmyra  ;  deserted  from 
Harrison's  Landing,  Va.,  July  28th,  1862. 

Price,  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  deserted  from  Har 
rison's  Lauding,  Va.,  June  28th,  1862. 

Polton,  Stephen,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  deserted  from  Har 
rison's  Landing,  Va..  Jnne  281  h,  1802. 

Dennis,  Samuel  F.,  Corporal,  enlisted  September  21st,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  deserted 
from  Warwick  Court  House,  Va.,  April  8th,  1862. 

Kimball,  Alvin,  Private,  enlisted  August  31st,  1862,  at  Rochester;  deserted  from 
Hagerstown,  Md..  October  22d,  1802. 

Piorsall,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  August  31st,  1862,  at  Rochester;  deserted  from 
Hagerstown,  Md.,  October  22d,  1862. 

DISCHARGED. 

Ererson,  Gilbert,  Sergeant,  enlisted   May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  for 

disability,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va.,  January  23d,  1862. 
Triuten,  Benjamin,  Private,  enlisted  May  9ih,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at 

Camp  Griffin.  Va.,  March  12th,  1862. 
Hewett,  Daniel,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861, at  Palmyra;  discharged  at  Camp 

Griffin,  Va.,  March  9th,  1862. 

Goodall,  George  F.,  Private,  enlisted  September  21st,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  discharg 
ed  at  Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  May  23d,  1862. 
Corcoran,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at  Chic- 

ahomiiiy,  Va.,  June  17th,  1862. 

Stafford,  Horntio,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra ;  discharged  at  For 
tress  Monroe,  Va.,  June  16th,  1862. 
Drake,  William  B.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  September  13th,  1862. 
Allico,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  appointed   Orderly 

Sergeant,  February  l<Hh,  1862:  discharged  at  H&rtress  Monroe,  Va.,  November 

30th,  1862. 
H&lsted,  Reuben  L.,  Private,  enlisted  MXy  9th,  J8G1,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at 

White  Oak  Church,  Va.,  December  $5th.  1862. 
Paul,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  Mav  mh,lS61,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at  White 

Oak  Church,  Va.,  December  25th,  1862. 
Jacklin.  Miles.  Private,  e;ilistei  M  ly  9r.h,  ISfil,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at  White 

Oak  Church,  Va.,  January  4th,  1863. 
Hoyt,  Myron,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861.  at  Palmyra  ;  discharged  on  account 

of  wounds  at  Harrisbnrg,  Pa.,  December  5th,  1862. 
Fisher,  Jeremiah,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at 

White  Oak  Church,  Va..  February  3d,  1863. 
Knox,  William  H.,  Private,  enlisted  August  18th,  1862, at  Palmyra  ;  discharged  at 

Baltimore,  Md.,  February  3d,  1863. 
Stanley, Charles  S.,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1863,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at 

White  Oak  Church,  Va.,  February  14th.  1863. 
Bunting,  George,  Private,  enlisted  August  26th,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at 

Wash -ngton.D.  C.,  March  30th,  1863. 
Heath,  Henry  M.,  Private,   enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  discharged  at 

Philadelphia,  Pa.,  January,  1863. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Barker,  Francis,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th.  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Private  from  date 
of  enrolment  to  June  1st.  1861 ;  transferred  to  Regimental  Band. 

Edger,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra;  Private  from  date  of 
enrolment  to  June  1st,  1861;  then  transferred  to  Regimental  Band. 

Hunt,  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  9th,  1861,  at  Palmyra:  Private  from  date  of 
enrolment  to  July  6th,  1861 ;  then  transferred  to  Co.  K,  33d  Regiment. 

Lewis,  Elisha,  Corporal,  enlisted  August  30th,  1862.  at  Palmyra;  wounded  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va.,  May  4th,  1863;  transferred  to  49th  Regiment  N.  Y.  S.  V., 
by  special  order,  May  13th,  1863,  from  Brig.  Headquarters  3d  Brigade. 


COMPANY   C.  49 

Adams,  Samuel,  Private,  enlisted  August  30th.  1862,  at   Palmyra;  wounded  at 

Fredericksburg,  Va..  May  4th,  1863;  transferred  as  above. 
Ebert.  Michael,   Private,  enlisted   August  26th,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  wounded  at 

Frcderick.sl.iirg,  Va.,  May  4th.  1863;  transferred  as  above. 
Glossender.  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  August  24th,  1S62,  at  Palmyra;  wounded 

May  3d,  1863;  transferred  as  above. 
Harse,  William,  Private,  enlisted  August  22d,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  woundel  May 

4th,  1863:  taken  prisoner  and  paroled;  transferred  as  above. 
Hazeri,  Marcellus  E.,  Private,  enlisted  August  2Sth,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  transfer 
red  as  above. 
Hasketh,  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  August  20th,  1S62,  at  Albany;  transferred  at 

above. 
Howard,  John,  Private,  enlisted  August  28th,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  transferred  as 

above. 
Kiniball,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  August  31st,  1862,  at  Rochester;  transferred  as 

above. 
Laird,  I'liny  P.,  Private,  enlisted  August  29th,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  transferred  as 

above. 
Stickles,  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  August  Slsl,  1862,  at  Palmyra;   transferred  as 

above. 
Scully,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  August  30th,  1S62,  at  Palmyra  ;   transferred  as 

above. 
Truax,  Joseph   II.,  Private,  enlisted  September  4th,   1862,  at  Palmyra:    taken 

prisoner  and  paroled  May  4th,  1863  ;  transferred  to49th  Regiment  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

by  special  order  of  May  13th,  1863.  from  Brigade  Headquarters,  3d  Brig. 
Truax.  Charles  L.,  Private,  enli.-ted  September  4th,  1862,  at  Palmyra;  wounded 

May  4th,  1863:  transferred  as  above. 

Vedder,  William  S.,  Private,  enlisted  September  3d,  1862,  at  Perinton;   transfer 
red  as  above. 


COMPANY  C. 

Cole.  Chester  II.,  Captain,  Waterloo;  wounded  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  May  3, 
1863. 

Brett.  Robert  II.,  First  Lieutenant,  "Waterloo;  promoted  from  First  Sergeant. 

Mix.'Lucius  C.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  June  2d,  1861,  at  Rochester;  promo 
ted  to  First  Lientenrxnant  of  Company  B,  October  17th,  1862. 

Stebbinsrs.  James  E.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  2_'d,  1861,  at  Waterloo ;  pro 
moted  from  First  Sergeant,  October  17th,  1862. 

Alexander.  William  A.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  wound 
ed  in  waist  and  arm,  at  Frederic  ksburg,  Va.,  May  3d.  1863. 

Guiin,  James  D.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1S61;  wounded  in 
thigh,  at  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17th,  1862. 

Durham,  George,  Sergeant,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  wounded  in 
thinh,  at  Antietam,  Md..  September  17th,  1862. 

Wheeler.  Charles,  Sergeant,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th.  1661. 

Martin,  Jame?,  Sergeant,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861 ;  missing  in  action 
at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  May  4th,  1863. 

Edward?.  John.  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861. 

Ridley,  Richard,  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  missing  in  ac 
tion  at  Fredericksburg,  May  4th,  1862. 

Covert,  George  T.,  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  wounded  in 
ankle,  at  Maryv's  Heights,  Va.,  May  3d,  1863. 

Dobson,  Robert  J.,  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Washington,  July  1st,  1861;  wounded  iu 
wrist  and  both  sides,  at  Marye's  Heights,  Va.,  May  3d,  1863. 

Caldw ell,  Charles  W.,  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th.  1861. 

Smith.  Charles  II ,  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861. 

Coffin,  William  II..  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861. 

Cook,  William  T.,  Corporal,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April,  24th,  1861;  Promoted  ta 
Corporal,  November  1st,  1862;  died  from  wounds  received  at  Frederickaburz. 
Va.,  May  3d,  1863. 


50  COMPANY   C. 

Alexander,  John  W.,  Private,    enlisted  at  Rochester,  November  4th,   1861;  pro 
moted  to  Quartermaster  Sergeant,  October  1st,  18C2. 
Alle.n.  Robert,    Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  21th,  18G1;  discharged  for 

disability,  February  26th,  1863. 

Alexander,  William  A.,- Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  21th,  1SG1;  promo 
ted  to  Sergeant,  October  17th,  1802. 

Batelle,  Samuel,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  21th.  1861. 
Bowman,  Frederick,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861. 
Caldwell.  Charles  \V.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  2ith,  1861;  promoted 

to  Corporal,  November  1st,  1802. 
Covert,  Ueorge  T. ,   Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  promoted  to 

Corporal,  May  22d,  1861. 
CU.MC.  .Michael.  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1801;  missing  in  action 

at  Fredericksl'urg,  Va.,  May  -4th.  1863. 

Carding,  William,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th.  1861. 
Cook,   William  G..  Private,   enlisted   at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  18G1;  died  from 

wounds  received  on  Ma  rye's  Heights,  Va.,  May  3d,  1803. 
Coffin,  William  II.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  promoted  to 

First  Corporal,  November  1st,  1862. 

Colville,  Alexander,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  24th.  1861. 
Dewey.  James  S  ,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861. 
Day,  Charles  L.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  18G1. 
Dobson.  Robert  J.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Washington,  August  3,  1801;  promoted  to 

Corporal.  December  1st,  1801. 

Duckentield,  Kdwin  R.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  4th,  1862. 
Dillm  inn.  Christian,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  -4th,  1862;  died  at  U.  3. 

General  Hospital.  Amsden  Street,  Baltimore,  Md..  October  2d,  18G2. 
Flinri,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo.  April  24th,  1861. 
Finner,  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  June  1st,  1861. 
Feyly,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  20th.  1861. 
Green.  William  H..  Private,  enlisted  at  NVaterloo,  April  20th.  1861. 
Groesbeck.  James,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo.  April  20th.  1861. 
Grins.  Bernard.  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  4th,  1801;  discharged  for  dis 
ability.  May  30th,  1802. 
Hartrouft,  William,  Private,   enlisted   at  Waterloo,  April   26th,  1861;    deserted 

from  Klmira,  N.  Y.,  July  8th,  1861. 

Hendrickson.  Cornelius  J..  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  26th,  1861. 
Hiser,  Frank  P.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  4th,  1861. 
lliuman,  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  4th,  1801 ;  discharged  for  dis 
ability,  March  5th,  1863. 
Klein,  Jacob,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  26th,   1861 ;  discharged  from  a 

wound  in  wrist  at  York,  Penn. 
Know-Iron,  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  4th,  1861 ;  missing  on  tho 

march,  and  not  since  been  heard  of. 
Murphy,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  2<5th,  18C1;  died  at  Clear 

Spring.  Md..  November  2d,  18G2. 
Monroe,  Eugene-  W.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  ,20th,  1SG1;  discharged 

for  disability,  November  23,  1862. 
Moran,  William,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April   26th,  1861;  wounded  at 

Marye's  Heights,  slight,  May  3d,  1863. 
Mungnm,  Richard,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  26th,  1861 ;  discharged  for 

disability,  November  2d,  1862. 

Morse,  Hiram  A.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  26th,  1861 ;  wounded  bo- 
low  the  knee  at  Marye's  Heights,  Va...  May  3d,  1863. 
Marshall,  William,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  4th,  1861;  deserted  from 

Camp  (Ji  illii),  Va.,  February  23d,  1862. 
Odell,  John,  Private,  enlisted  April  24.  1SG1. 

O'Neil,  John.  Priv.ite,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  26(11,1801;  missing  in  action 
at  Kredericksburg,  Va.,  May  4th,  1863.     Supposed  doad  ;  last  seen  vory   skk 
and  prisoner. 
Olds,  John  II.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo.  April  24th,   18G1;  wounded  slightly 

in  the  head  at  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17th,  1802. 
Pulver,  Mark  D.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861. 
Palmer,  Daniel,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  26th,  1861;  deserted  from 
Camp  Granger,  August  2d,  1861. 


COMPANY    C.  51 

Peasley,  William  0.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  2fith,  1861;  wounded 
severely  in  the  lung  at  Marye's  Heights,  Va.,  May  &1,  1863.  since  dead. 

Huberts,  Mark.  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  died  at  hospital, 
September  13th,  1802. 

Ryan,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861. 

Ridley,  Richard,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th.  1861;  missing  in  ac 
tion  at  Fretierickslmrg,  Va..  May  4th.  1803. 

Renner,  John  S.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo.  April  24th,  1861;  discharged  for 
disability,  February  18th,  1862. 

Rotters,  Stephen,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  A^pril  2Gth,  1861;  discharged. 
Time  unknown. 

Shirley,  Alexander,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo.  April  24th,  1861 ;  missing  in 
action  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  May  4th,  1863. 

Simmons,  William  H.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1S61;  discharg 
ed  December  4th,  1862  ;  dead. 

Smith,  Marion  W.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  wounded  in 
the  breast  slightly,  at  Fredericksburg,  Va..  May  4th,  1863. 

Smith,  Charles  H.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861 ;  promoted  to 
Corporal,  November  1st,  1862. 

Smith,  George  T.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  discharged  for 
disability.  January  Inth,  1863. 

Slattery,  Morris,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  wounded  at 
Antietam,  Md.,  September  17th,  1862. 

Snellgrove,  Luther  E.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  discharg 
ed  as  an  alien  subject,  February  26th,  1862. 

Taylor.  Benjamin  F.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo.  April  24th,  1861. 

Thomson,  Joseph.  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th.  1861. 

Outrine,  Pierre,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  4th.  1861 ;  died  at  Camp  Grif- 
tin,  February  10th,  1862. 

Van  Z:ie.  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April   24th.  1S61. 

Woolidtse.  Truman,  Private,  enlisted  at  AVaterloo,  April  24th.  1S61;  died  at  Phila 
delphia,  Pa.,  September  6th,  1862, 

Witt,  Louis,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  killed  at  Antietam, 
Md..  September  17th,  1862. 

Watson.  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  2ith,  1861;  discharged  Marcb 
1st,  1863. 

Warner.  William,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1SC1. 

Walsch.  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th,  1861;  wounded  at  Antie 
tam.  Md.,  in  groin.  September  17th.  1862. 

Waterman,  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  21tb,  1861. 

DIED,  DISCHARGED,  DESERTED,   AND  TRANSFERRED. 

Alexander,  John  W.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Rochester,  November  6th,  1861 ;  pro 
moted  to  Quartermaster  Sergeant. 

Gunn,  Jacob,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  October  31st,  1SG1;  discharged  May 
28th,  1862. 

Hunter,  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  October  31st,  1861. 

McGraw,  George  C.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  October  31st,  1861;  deserted 
January  29th. 1862. 

Swift.  William  B.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  October  21st,  1861;  discharged 
February  2,1,  1863. 

Saunders,  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  October  31st,  1S61;  deserted  Feb 
ruary  1st.  1862. 

Rager,  George,  Private,  enlisted  at  Buffalo.  February  1st,  1862;  killed  at  Fred 
ericksburg.  Va..  May  4th,  1863. 

Hayilen,  Henry  D.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Rochester,  September  1,  1861;  discharged 
December  26th,  1862. 

Hernia  nee,  Andrew  L.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  February  10th,  1862;  killed 
at  Marye's  Heights,  Va.,  May  oth,  1863. . 

Pulver,  Algernon,  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  February  28th,  1SC2. 

Beach,  Lucius  P ,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  24th.  1861. 

Robinson,  John  C.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  February  2Sth,  1862;  wounded  »t 
Fredericksburg,  Va..  May  4th,  1863. 


52  COMPANY   D. 

Rotzkin,  Martin,  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  February  15th,  18C2;  discharged 

Apiil  10th,  1802. 
Pillbejin.  Edward.  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  February  15th.  1862;  discharged 

April  10th.  1802. 

Barber,  "William,  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  February  1st,  18G2. 
Woodruff,  Lewis  I).,  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  February  21th,  1SG2;  discharged 

January  16th,  1802. 
Fant/,  John,  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  June  9th,  1862;  discharged  Juno  9th, 

1802, 

Banchman,  William,  Private,  enlisted  at  Geneva,  January  1st,  1862. 
Woodorlim-,  John,  Private,  eitlisted  at  Geneva,  April  1st,  1801;  leg  amputated  at 

Freclericksburg.  May  3d,  1863. 

Young,  Lr.ther,  1  rivate,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  October  4th,  18C2. 
Bennett,  Charles,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  20th,  1861;  discharged  at 

Camp  Granger,  July,  1861. 
Harrington,  Albert,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  July  3d,  1801 ;  discharged  July 

1st,  1861. 

Bailey,  John.  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo.  September  llth,  1862. 
Batelle,  John  II.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  September  llth,  1862  :  missing  in 

action  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  May  4th,  1863. 
Riley,  Peter,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  25th,  1862 ;  killed  at  Marye's 

Heights,  May  3d,  1863 
Vantile,  Newton,  Private,   enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  15th,  1862 ;  discharged 

March  22d,  1803. 
Rice,  Elijah  J.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  25th,  1862;  wounded  in 

hand  at  Marje's  Heights,  Va.,  May  3d,  1S63. 

Pierce,  Samuel,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  16th,  1862. 
Wnnderlin,  Franklin,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  20th,  18C2. 
Winder,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  20th,  1802;  missing  in  ac 
tion,  May  4th.  18G3. 
Smith,  Irving  T.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  Gist,  1862;  discharged 

February  18th,  1863 

McBeam.  Samuel,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  13th,  1862. 
Beeley,  William,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  26th,   1862;  discharged 

March,  1803. 

McLaughlin,  Andrew,  Private,  enlisted  at  Ovid.  August  31st,  1862. 
Barker,  Theodore.  Private,  enlisted  at  Albany,  September  14th,  1862. 
Alexander,  Henry  N.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Elmira,  June  1st,  1861;  promoted  to 

Quartermaster. 
Coker,  James  II.,  Private,  enlisted  at  Rochester,  August  31st,  1802  ;  transferred  to 

Brigadier  Band. 

Btanton,  Willard,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  August  31st,  1802. 
Langdon,  George,  Private,  enlisted  at  Waterloo,  April  21th,  1861;  died  at  Camp 

Griffin,  February  24th,  1802. 


COMPANY  D. 

A  largo  majority  of  this  Company  are  still  in  service,  being  3  years  men  re 
cruited  in  1862,  and  assigned  to  Company  D,  retaining  Captain  Gifford  in  com 
mand. 
Gifford,  Henry  J.,  Captain,  enlisted  April  25th,  1861,  at  Rochester,  in  13th  N.  Y.  V.; 

promoted  and  transferred  to  33d  N.  Y   V.,Co.  D. 

Rossiter,  Charles  D.,  First  Lk'Utcmmt.  enlisted  September  13th.  1S02,  at  Roches 
ter;  wounded  May  4th,  1863,  in  Battle  of  Salem  Heights;  died  in  bauds  of  th« 
enemy.  May  llth,18C3. 

Roach,  William  E.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  September  13th,  1862,  at  Roches- 
ester  ;  on  detached  service  in  Ambulance  Corps. 

Bocdle/John,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  August  20th,  1802,  at  Rochester. 
Van  Der  OUT,  David,  Second  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  7th,  1861,  at  Cauandalgua; 
discharged  with  Regiment,  June  2,  1863. 


COMPANY   D. 


5S 


Rodney,  Theodore  C.,  Third  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  7th,  1S61,   at  Canandaigua; 

discharged  with  Kegiment,  June  2d,  1863. 

Walls,  James,  Fourth  Sergeant,  enlisted  August  19th,  1862,  at  Rochester. 
Boulles,  William  E.,  Fifth  Sergeant,  enlisted  August  19th,  1862,  at  Rochester. 
Hogan,  Hugh,  Corporal,  enlisted  August  29th,  1862,  at  Rochester. 
Byrne.  John,  Corporal,  enlisted  October  30th,  1862,  at  Bergeu ;  discharged  with 

Regiment,  June  2d.  1863. 

Noyes.  James  II..  Corporal,  enlisted  August  20th,  1862,  at  Rochester. 
Nicholas,  John  Y.,        "  "  "  " 

Mylacniine,  John  E.,  "  "  "      22d  "    wounded  May  4th. 

1863. 

Roach,  Thomas  W.,      "  "  "      21st  « 

Michael  Flood,  "  "  "      29th  "    wounded  May  4th, 

1863;  died  in  hospital,  Washington,  May  6tb,  1863. 
Wark,  John  F.,  Corporal,  enlisted  August  26th.  1862,  at  Rochester. 
Appleton,  Richard.  Private,  enlisted  May  7th,  1861,  at  Canandaigua;  sick  in 

hospital,  Frederick  City,  Md.,  since  September  19th,  1862. 
Andrews,  James  M.,  Private,  enlisted  August  21st.  1862,  at  Rochester. 


Annis,  Alonzo.               «               "           "         28th, 

« 

Bennett.  Thomas,          "               "            "            " 

« 

Brooker.John,                "                "            "         29th, 

« 

Boss,  Henry,                    "                "            "         30th, 

"     wounded  May 

3d,  1863. 

Buffon.  John,                 "               "    September   3d, 

•« 

Budd,  Hiram,                 "               "    August      27th, 

"    taken  prisoner 

May  4th.  1863. 

Bayley,  Alonzo.              "                              "        2Sth, 

Canandaigua. 

Barras.  Edwin  P.,          "                "        May        7th, 

u           discharged 

with  Regiment,  June  2d,lS63. 

Crofutt,  George,  Private,  enlisted  May  7th,  1861,  at  Canandaigua;  wounded  May 
3d,  1863  ;  discharged  with  Regiment.  June  2d.  1863. 

Cutler.  John  R.,  Private,  enlisted  August  31<t,  1862,  at  Canandaigua. 

Carroll,  John,  "  "  "      28th,  Rochester. 

Corby.  Bernard,        "  «  "      2.3th,  " 

Catliu.  (Jearge,          "  "  "      22d,  " 

Catlin.  Byron,  "  "  "      22d,  " 

Cooney.  Patrick,       "  "  "      20th,  "        sick   in  hospital 

Hagerstown,  Md.,  since  October  2Sth.  1862. 
De  Plaa,  Bastian,  Private,  enlisted  August  25th,  1S62,  at  Rochester. 


Dawson.  Homer, 
Devine.  Charles, 
Foley,  Wm., 

3d,  1863. 
Finn,  John, 
Gifford,  N.C.  M., 
Gorharn,  Edmund  L., 
Geelen,  B-nnet, 

1863. 

Groer,  Freeman, 
Gibbs,  Walter, 
Gleason,  Joseph, 

2d,  1863. 

Herrick.  George  B., 
Horton,  Nathan  S., 

3d,  1863. 
Howard,  George  II., 

2d,  1863. 
Hack,  Nathan, 
Housam,  John, 
Hoste,  John, 

4th,  1863. 
Jenkins,  William, 


26th, 

"September  20th,  1802,  at  Albany. 
"  August  22d,  1862,   at  Rochester;  wounded  May 


30th, 
26th, 
27th, 
28th, 


Brigade  Headqu'rs. 
wounded  May  3d. 


30th, 
20th. 
"    May     7th,«*61,  Canandaigua ;  discharged  June 

"    August  25th,  1862,  Rochester.    Brigade  Ilqrs. 
"        "          25th, 


"        29th, 

"        30th, 

•<    Sept.        3d, 

6th, 

August  28th, 


ington,  D.  C.,  since  November  15th,  1862. 


taken  prisoner  May 
killed  in  action,  May 

missing  in  action,  May 
sick  in  hospital,  Wash  - 


54 


COMPANY   D. 


Justice,  John,  Private,  enlisted  August  21st,  1SC2,  at  Rochester. 


Keers,  Matthew, 

4th.  186:?. 
Kenedy,  John,  " 
KemiHon,  Henry,  " 
Lyon,  James  S.,  " 
Lewis,  Ilcrirj  W,  " 

2d.  1SC3. 
Light  hart,  Michael," 

May  4th.  1863. 
Miles,  Franklin,        " 
McGorey.  James,      " 
McNeiss,  Valentine." 

May  4th,  1863. 
MoGowan,  Albert  S.," 

June  2d,  1862. 
Murphy,  Edward,     " 

June '2d.  1863. 
Nell  Span,  Michael,    " 

May  4tli,  1863. 
O'Donnell,  Edward,  " 

Hospital. 

Q'Regan,  Timotby,    " 
O'Neill,  Thomas,        " 

Junr  2<I,  1863. 
Otis,  Joseph  E.,          « 

June  2d,  18C3. 
Porter.  Dolphus  S.,    " 

3d,  1863. 

Pulford,  Schuyler,    " 
Pike,  Hitmon,  " 

May  3d,  1863. 
Ropers,  Oscar,  " 

June  1st,  1863. 
Scholz,  John  G.,         " 
Smith,  Michael, 
Stimors.  Philip  S.,    " 
Sweeney,  Patrick,    " 
Swift.  Benjamin, 


taken  prisoner,  May 

"        20th,  '< 

27th, 

"        30th,        Canandaigua. 
May       7th,  1861,  discharged  June 

April      23d,  1862,  at  Rochester;  taken  prisoner, 

2Sth,  " 

"        21st,  " 

29th,  «'  killed  in  action, 

May  7th,  1861,  at  Canaudaigua;  discharged 

*'  7th,                          "                discharged 

August  21st,  1862,  at  Rochester  ;  taken  prisoner, 

"  30th,                      "         sick  in  Division 

29th,  « 

May       7th,  1861,  at  Canandaigna ;    discharged 

"          7th,  "  discharged 

August    31st,  1862,  at  Rochester ;  wounded    May 

"        26th, 
Sept.       1st,  "  takeu  prisoner, 

May       7th,  1861,  at  Canandaigua;  discharged 


"     August     29th,  1862, 

"        21st,  Rochester. 

•'        2f,th, 
"     •   29th, 

"        Sept.     26th,  "         killed  in  action 

at  Frederickitwrt,  Va,,  May  3d,  1863. 
Flierman.  Albert  V.,  Private,  enlisted  August  2oth,  1862,  at  Rochester. 


Teller,  John  II.. 
Uttley.  Thomas, 
Vol/c.  (ieorjje, 
Vandeihorist,  Henry, 
Vanderpool,  James, 
Witter.  William  0., 
oner  May  4th,  1863. 


23d, 

21st, 

2W, 

27th, 

28th, 

29tb, 


Canandaigua;  taken  pris- 


DI^CIIARGED. 


Daily.  Michael,  Private,  enlisted  May  7th,  1861.  at  Canandaigua;  discharged  June 

2d',  180:?. 
Drake.  Henry  R.,  Privnte,  enlisted  August  2Cth,  18C2,  at  Rochester;  discharged 

for  disability,  February  6th.  18«3. 
Weeks.  T.  N.M.,  Private,  enlisted  August  29th,  1862,  at  Rochester;  discharged  for 

disability,  February  6th,  1863. 

DIED. 


Aldridge,  Jonas  C.,  Private,  enlisted  August  24th.  1862,  at  Rochester;  died  No- 
vember  20th,  1802.  in  Camp  on  Acqnia  Creek,  Va. 

Johes,  James  ?.,  Private,  enlisted  August  20th,  1862,  at  Rochester;  died  Decem 
ber  23d,  18C2,  in  Camp  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va. 


COMPANY   E.  55 

COMPANY  E. 

Warford.  Wilson  B.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  22<1,  lS61,at  Elmira. 

Gummer,  John,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  22-1.  ISM,  at  Klmira;  Second  Lien- 
tenant  at  enrolment,- promoted  to  First  Lieutenant,  June  2Sth,  18C2,  vice 
Church,  killed. 

Church.  Muses,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May22d,  1SC1,  at  Elmira;  killed  in  ac 
tion  of  June  28th,  1862. 

Smith.  Walter  II.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861.  at  Elmira:  First 
Sergeant  at  enrolment :  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant,  June  2Stli,  18C2,  vie* 
Gummer,  promoted:  discharged  March  27th,  1863.  l>y  order  Gen.  Sedwick. 

Sands,  George,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d.  1861.  at  Elmira;  Private  at 
enrolment  to  July  17th,  1861;  then  Corporal  to  September  1st,  1861 ;  then  Ser 
geant  to  June  28lh,  1862;  then  First  Sergeant  l»y  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Thompson.  Samuel.  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861.  at  Elmira. 

Fox,  Frank,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Klmira;  Private  at  enrolment 
to  July  olst,  1861;  then  Corporal  to  July  1st,  1802;  then  Sergeant  by  order  of 
Col.  Taylor. 

Dana,  Orville,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d.  1861.  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrol 
ment  to  October  17th,  1S62;  then  Corporal  to  November  1st,  1862;  then  Ser 
geant  by  older  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Smith,  Tilton  U.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d.  1S61.  at  Elmira. 

Williams,  Francis,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,lS61,  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrol 
ment  to  July  olst.  1862;  then  Corporal  by  older  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Copeland,  Thomas,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861.  at  Elmira:  Private  at  en 
rolment  to  January  1st.  1862;  then  Corporal  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Taggatt,  John  S., Corporal,  enlisted  May  22.1,  1SC1.  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrol 
ment  to  Jaiiu  try  1st,  1802:  then  Cjrpor.il  by  order  of  GJ!.  Taylor. 

Ay«-i s.Jackson,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1SC1.  at  Elmira;  absent,  sick  in  hospi 
tal  at  Alexandria,  Va  ,  since  March  23th,  1S62. 

Armstrong,  David,  Pi  irate,  enlisted  May  4th,  1S62,  at  Geneva. 

Barm-.  Sheldon,  "     22d,  1SC1,  at  Elmira. 

Boga,  William,  " 

Black,  William?. 

Baty.  Robert,  "        Dec.  19Jh,  1S61,  at  Geneva. 

Bissell.  Frederick,  May  -J2.1.  1801,  at  Elmira. 

Brown,  Thomas,  "  Feb.  3<l,  1862,  at  Geneva;  absent,  sick  in 

hospital.  Baltimore,  Maryland,  since  July  1st,  1862. 

Buckle y.  John,  Piivate,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira. 

Clarke,  Milton, 

Chillis,  David, 

Degraw,  Charles,  on  detached  service 

on  \Vi-sti-i  n  Gunboat  since  February  10th,  18C2.  by  order  of  Sec'y  of  war. 

Ewald,  Henry.  Private,  enlisted  December  14th,  1861,  at  Geneva;  absent  sick  in 
hospital.  Georgetown.  D.  C.,  since  March  10th,  1862. 

Eldiidgif,  Christopher,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira. 

Fox,  Mattison, 

Fox,  Henry, 

Haskins,  lienrv,  "  "  "  "    paroled  prisoner. 

Hall,  J,,hnW.,  «  February  3d,  1S62,  at  Geneva;  absent, 

sick  in  h.»pital,  Philadelphia. 

Harrison,  William,  Private,  "  "  "  "  " 

Hazleton,  James  T.,          "  "  "        2Cth,  " 

Jessey,  John,  "  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  paroled  pri»- 

oner. 

Johnson,  Goodcll,  "  "  " 

Kincaid,  Joseph, 

Luce,  George,  "  "  "  " 

Luce,  Samuel.  "  "  "  " 

McClees,  James,  "  "  " 

Mungar,  Mclvin,  "  paroled  prisoner. 

Park  hurst,  Nathan,  "  "        December  28th,  1861,  at  Geneva. 

Whitmore,  Seth,  "  2Gth,lSCl,  "  absent  sick 

in  hospital,  New  York  City,  since  July  1st,  1862. 

Watrous,  Samuel,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira. 

ISA 


56  COMPANY    E. 

DISCHARGED. 

Attwood,  Elijah,  Private,  enlisted  August  9th,  1861,  at  Washington,  D.  C. ;  dis 
charged  September  loth,  1802,  :it  New  York  City,  on  Surgeon's  certificate. 

Childs,  Reuben,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira;  discharged  October 
13th,  1802,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  on  Surgeon's  curtiticate. 

Fisher,  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1S61,  at  Elmira;  discliarged  No 
vember  1'Jtli,  1802,  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  on  Surgeon's  certificate. 

Qeer,  Lorenzo,  Private,  enlisted  January  8th,  1802,  at  Geneva;  d'scharged  Sep 
tember  2Gth,  1802,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  per  order  Gen.  Wadsworth. 

Johnson,  George,  Private,  enlisted  February  12th,  1802,  at  Geneva;  discharged 
February  2/tli,  1803,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  on  Surgeon's  certificate. 

Matlier,  .John,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Klmira;  discharged  January 
loth,  1S03,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  on  Surgeon's  certificate. 

Moore,  Wallace,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira;  discharged  January 
Cth,  1802,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va.,on  Surgeon's  certificate. 

Stoddard,  William,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  ;.t  Elmira;  discharged  April 
10th,  1SG3,  atNttw  York  City:  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Workley,  Jacob,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira;  discharged  January 
29th,  1803,  at  Fortress  Monroe,  on  burgeon's  certificate . 

TRANSFERRED. 

Armstrong,  William,  Private,  August  29th,  18C2,  at  Rochester;  transferred  to 
Company  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Scdgwick. 

Bush,  Kli  C.,  Private,  enlisted  August  28th,  1862.  at  Geneseo ;  transferred  to  Co. 
D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Bed-wick. 

Boyce,  Philip  G.,  Private,  enlisted  August  28th,  1802, at  Rochester ;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

Calderwood,  Hugh  C.,  Private,  enlisted  August  301  h,  1802,  nt  Rochester;  trans 
ferred  to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Scdgwick. 

Forsyth,  George,  Private,  enlisted  August  31st,  18C2,  at  Rochester;  transferred  to 
Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sed-rwick. 

Farrar,  Amos,  Private,  enlisted  August  31st,  1802,  at  Rochester;  transferred  to 
Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedtrwick. 

Hulburt,  William.  Private,  enlisted  August  14th,  1802,  at  Rochester;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

Martin,  David  A.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira;  transferred  to 
Regimental  Band  July,  1801,  per  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

O'Donohue,  Cornelius,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira;  transferred  to 
Co.  K,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  July  6th,  1801,  per  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Richardson,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira;  transferred  to 
Regimental  Band  July,  1801,  per  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Richmond,  Bela  P.,  Private,  enlisted  August  14th,  1802,  at  Geneseo;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

Roberts,  George,  .Tun.,  Private,  enlisted  August  21st,  1862,  at  Rochester  ;  trans 
ferred  toCo.'D,  33d  N.Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

Wetherel,  Seymour  B.,  Private,  enli.-ted  August  20th,  1SG2,  at  Geneseo;  transfer 
red  to  C<>.  D,  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

Warren,  Harlow  P.,  Private,  enlisted  August  25th,  1862,  at  Rochester;  transfer 
red  to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  «rder  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

Winney,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  August  29th,  1SC2,  at  Rochester;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

McGinn,  Patrick.  Private,  enlisted  August  2..th,  isr.2,  at  Rochester;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  of  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

Handy,  John,  Private,  enlisted  August  14th,  1802,  atGencseo;  transferred  to  Co. 
D,  33d  N.  Y.  S.  Vols.,  per  order  ot  Gen.  Sedgwick. 

DIED. 

Connor,  John,  Musician,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  July  7th,  1831,  at 
Washington,  D.  C.,  of  disease. 

Campbell.  John,  Private,  enlisted  December  24th,  1861.  at  Geneva;  died  Septem 
ber  29th,  1862,  at  Burketsville,  Md.,of  wounds  received  in  action. 


COMPANY    E.  57 

Clark,  Isaac,  Private,  enlisted  February  2Gth,  1S62,  at  Geneva;  died  August  15th, 

186-2,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  of  disea*e. 
Ewald,  Frederick,  Private,  enlisted  December  19th,  1861,  at  Geneva;  died   April 

6tn,  18(52,  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  of  disease. 
Eastwood,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted  Mny  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  September 

21st,  1862,  at  Fortress  Monroe,  of  disease. 
Johnston,  James,  Private,  enlisted  January  13th,  1862,  at  Geneva;  died  March 

7th,  1862,  at  Georgetown,  D.  C.,  of  disease. 
Johnson,  Lemuel,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  September 

14th,  1863,  at  New  York  City,  of  disease. 
Shardlow,  Joseph.  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  September 

17th,  1862,  at  Fortress  Monroe,  of  disease. 
Spencer,  Jason,  Private,  enlisted  May  ±2d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  September  15th, 

1862,  at  Georgetown,  D.  C.,  of  disease. 
Thatcher,  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  September 

23d,  1862,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  of  disease. 
Thatcher,  Bertram,  Priv.ite,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  October  9th, 

1862,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  of  disc  ise. 
Night,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  October  17th,  1862, 

at  Washington,  D.  C.,  of  disease. 
Jenkins,  Benjamin,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  October  1st, 

1861,  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  of  disease. 

Ziminer,  Peter,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  February  5th, 

1862,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va.,  of  disease. 

Courts,  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861.  at  Elmira;  died  May  5th,  1862,  of 

wounds  received  in  action. 
Russell,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  died  May  4th,  1863,  of 

wounds  received  in  action. 
Smith,  Eli  P.,  Private,  enlisted  August  23th,  1862,  at  Geneseo;  died  May  4th, 

1863,  of  wounds  received  in  action. 

DESERTED. 

Ames,  Jonathan,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  6th, 

1861,  from  Elmira. 
Beardsley,  Joseph,  Private,    "  "  "       July  27th, 

1861,  from  Washington. 
Burdict,  William,  Private,      "  "  "  "       July    8th, 

1861,  from    Elmirw 

Collins,  John,  Private,  "  "  "  "       Oct.    31st, 

1862,  from  Philadelphia. 

Doty,  John  E.,  Private,  "  "  "  "       July    8th, 

1861,  from  Elmira. 
Finnitz.  Patrick,  Private,      "  "  "  "       July    7tb, 

1861,  from  Elmira. 
Granning,  Jeremiah,  Private,  "  "  "       July    21st, 

1 86 1 ,  from  Wash  i  n  gton . 
Jones,  James,  Private,  May  9th,  "  May  2d,  1863, 

from  Fredericksburg,  Va. 
McMurry,  Woodruff,  Private,  enlisted  June  1st,  1861,  "  "  July  31st,  '61, 

from  Washington. 
Mathews,  WillKm,  Private,        "        May  22d,  1861,       '<  "  June 2Sth,  '62, 

from  dmp  Griffin,  Va. 
Millspaugh,  Oscar,  Musician,      "        Dec.  16th,  1861,  at  Geneva;  "  June  15th, '62, 

from  Gaincs'  Mills,  Va. 
Palmer,  Edward,  Private,  "        May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;    "  Jan.  22 d,  '62, 

from  C;tnip  Griffin,  Va. 
Perrigo,  Charles,  Private,  "  "  "  July  7th,    '61, 

from  Klmira. 
Seeley,  William,  Private,  "  July  8th,   '61, 

from  Elmira. 
Bimmonds,  James  II.,  Private,    " 

from  Elmira. 
Stark*,  Eugene.  Private,  "        Sept.  12th,  1861,  at  Washington ;  deserted 

April  1st,  1863,  from  Western  Gunboat. 


58  COMPANY    F. 

Wood,  Sheldon,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  18C1,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  24th. 

1861,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Wiseman,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1SG1,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  Cth, 

18t>l.  from  Elmira. 
Willicr.  Chauncv.  Private,          "  "  "  "      July  31st 

18^1,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Hill,  W  illiam.  Private,  l:  "  "  "      July  31st, 

1861,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 

DROPPED. 

Lenhenrt,  Godfrey,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Klmira;  missing  in  action 
Bince  May  5th,  I8ri2. 

McKee,  Peter,  Prix  ate,  "  "  "  same  as  above. 

Master.  Abrani,        "  "        Feb.  10th,  1862,  at  Geneva;      same  as  above. 

Pel  ton,  Loam  i  C.,     "  "        May  22d,  IStil,  at  Elmira,;        same  as  above. 

Russell,  William,     "  same  as  above. 

Beage.r.  Jacob,  "  July  7th,  1801,  "  Eugene  Stalks  sub 

stitute;!  in  liis  place  September  12th,  1851,  per  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Williams,  John,  Private,  enlisted  March  21th,  1862,  at  Geneva;  missing  in  action 
Bince  May  -r.th,  18K2. 

Coffin,  Mcrrit t  S..,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira. 


COMPANY  F. 

McNalr,  James  M,  Captain,  enlisted  May  13th,  18C1,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. 
Ilamilton,  George  T.,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  13th,  1801,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.; 

resigned  Fi-b.  Cth,  1862. 
King,  Henry  G.,  First   Lieutenant,  enlisted    May  13th,  1801,  at   Nunda,   N.   Y.; 

promoted  to  First  Lieutenant,  Feb.  Cth,  18G2:  icsigned  Dec.  27th,  1802;  xvounded 

flt  Antietani. 
Hills,    Henry  A.,   First   Lieutenant,   enlisted  May  13,   1801,   at    Nunda,   N.  Y.; 

vas  First  Ser.ceant  to  Feb.  6th,  1862;  then  Second  Lieutenant,  Dec.  27th,  1862; 

Winship,  J..liii  F.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.; 
\viis  Sergeant  to  March  22d,  18C2;  then  First  Sergeant  to'Dec.  27th,  18C2;  then 
Second  Lieutenant. 

ftiley,  James,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861, at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  was  Ser 
ge  'lit  from  enrolment  to  Dec.  27th,  1862. 

McDuflie,  living  J.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  wa» 
wounded  at  l-iedenckstiurg.  . 

Cain,  Alfred  II.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  was  Cor 
poral  from  enrolment  to  April  1'Jth.  1862, 

Shaw.  Ilosea  F.,  Sergeant,  enli-ted  M.-iy  13th,  1801.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.:  was  Private 
from  enrolment  to  March  22d,  1802;  then  Corporal  to  Dec.  7th,  1862. 

Stebbin*,  Kdwin.  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  13th.  1801,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.:  xvas  Private 
from  eiirolmi-iit  to  March  22d,  1SC-2:  then  Corporal  to  Dec.  9th.  1862. 

Haver,  .1  nines,  Corporal,  enlisl.-d  May  l.'Jtli,  1801,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  was  Private 
from  enrolment  to  Dec.  4th,  1862;  taken  prisoner  at  Fwlerickhburg. 

Cain,  Justus  II.,  Corporal.enlisted  May  13th,  18C1,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  xvas  Private 
from  enrolment  to  .l-m.  7th,  1863. 

Weaver,  Charles  II ,  Corporal,  enlisted  Oct.  22d,  1801,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  xvas  Pri 
vate  from  enrolment  to  March  22d.  1SC.-J;  wounded  at  Antietani. 

Watson.  Uobeit  II.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861.  at  Nunda.  N.  Y.;  xvas  Pri- 
v:it<-  from  enrolment  to  April  19lh,  1862:  wounded  at  Fredericksburg. 

Rogt-i-H,  Michael.  Corporal,  enlisted  M:.y  13th.  1S(,1.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  xvas  Prix-ate 
from  enrolment  to  Jan.  1st,  1803:  wounded  >it  Fredericksburg. 

Smith,  Henry.  Corporal,  enlisted  May  13th,  1801,  :it  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  xvas  Private 
from  enrolment  to  Jan.  l.-t.  lsc.;;:  wounded  ;it  Fredericksburg. 

ABpinwall.  Aikin,  Private,  enlisted  Mny  13th.  1861,  at  Nunda.  N.  Y. 

Beuson,  Guurgv,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  18U1,  at  Nimda,  N.  Y. 


COMPANY   F.  59 

Beach,  Fugene.  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1801,  at  Xnnda,  N.  Y. 

Buchanan,  Kdwin,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 

Calkins,  Willard.  K..  Piivate,  enlisted  May  13th,  13G1,  at  Xuiida,  N.  Y.;  wounded 

nt  \Villi;»in>bui-g,  Va. 

Christy,  James.  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  N.  Y. 
Carrol'l,  Tent-nee,  Private,  enlisted  Dec.  18th,  1861.  at  Mount  Morris. 
Datoiett,  George  W.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861.  at  Nund.-i,  N.  Y. 
Duvree,  Srhuyler,  Private,  enlisted  May  13tli,  1861,  at  Xnnda.  N.  Y. 
Elite.  Franklin.  Private,  enlisted  May  ISttr,  1S01,  at  Xunda,  X.Y. 
K11K  WeMi-y,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Emery,  John  \V.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xuuda,  N.  Y. 
Franklin,  Warren,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861,  at  Xnnda,  N.  Y. 
Franklin,  .John,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861.  at  Xunda,  N.  Y. 
Haskius,  Edwin,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th.  186J,  at  Xunda,  N.  Y. 
Hatch.  Samuel  W..  Private,  enli.-ted  May  13th,  1S61,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Lockwood.  Ueorge  M.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda  X.  Y.;  detailed 

in  Signal  Corps  I  nun  Jan.  1st.  1862. 

La  Foy.  John.  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X".  Y. 
Marshall.  William  J..  Private,  enlisted  MH.V  13th.  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. 
Martin,  George  D.,  Private,  enliste-1  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Merithew,  Philander,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Xuuda,  N.  Y.;  taken 

prisoner  at  Frede:  icksbui  <r,  May  4th,  IMS. 
Morrison.  Jeremiah,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1S61,  at  Xunda,  XT.  Y.:  wounded 

at  Frede. u-k^t.uijr.  May  4th,  1863. 

Newman,  Charles,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th.  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Norris.  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861.  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Newell,  Kiitus  II.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861,  at  Xnnda,  X.  Y. 
Paine,  John  D.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  N.  Y. 
Porter,  Martin   L.,   Private,  enlisted   May  13th,  1861,  at  Xuuda,  N.  Y.;   taken 

prisoner  at  Williamsburg.  May  9th,  1862. 

Pool,  Charles  W..  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Pool.  Ge-.r^e  M.,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th.  1861.  at  Xunda,  N.  Y. 
P.eynard.  Horatio  B..  Private,  enlisted  Oct.  13th,  1SG1,  at  .\unda,  X.  Y. 
Robbing  Hiram  0..  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861.  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Riol.  John.  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Corning,  X.  Y. 
Skilien.  John  S..  Private,  enlisted  May  12th.  1861,  at  Nunda,  X.  Y. 
Smith.  Phillip.  Private,  enlisted  May  12th.  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.Y. 
dfcrgent,  Francis  W.,  Private,  enlisted  May  12th,  1861.  at  Xuuda,  X.Y. 
Streeter.  Hmis.in,  Private,  enlisted  May  12th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Sweeney,  William,  Private,  enlisted  Dec.  25th.  1861,  at  Geneva,  X.  Y. 
Tun  ill.  lleelie  T.,  Private,  enl^ted  July  4th,  1861.  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Threehousr.  Francis,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y. 
Waslilioii.  Theodore,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861.  at  Nunda,  X.  Y. 
Watson,  Albert  P.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1SC1,  at  Xuuda,  N.  Y. 

KILLED  IX  BATTLE. 

Smith,  Elias,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  N.  Y.;  killed  in  battle 

at  Antictam.  Sept.  17th,  18C2. 
Cosnett,  William  J..  Piivate  enlisted  Aug.  30th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y.;  killed  in 

battle  at  Fredericksburg,  May  4th,  1863. 
Bardwell,  .Norton.  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at   Xunda,  N.  Y.  ;   killed  in 

battle  at  Frederkksburg,  May  4th,  1SC3. 

DIED.  «  - 

Bacon,  Gardner.  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  X.  Y.;  died  Oct.  3d 

1861.  at  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  of  ictus  sol  is. 

VanlJrunt.  Ervin,  Private,  enlisted   May  13th,  1S61,  at  Xunda,  N.  Y.;  died   Oct. 

16th.  1861,  at  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  of  dysentery. 
Prentice.  Gcorjre    II.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1  SGI,  at  Xunda,  N.  Y.;    died 

Feb.  28th,  1862. at  Camp  Griffin.  Va.,  of  typhoid  fever. 
Shils  -n,  Daniel.  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Xunda,  N.  Y.;  died  March, 

1862,  at  Alexandria,  Ya. ;  fever. 


60  COMPANY   F. 

Lowe,  Charles  R.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.:  died  April 

19th,  1862.  at  Newport  News.Va  ;  typhoid  fever. 
Whittinsr,  Whit  field,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  died  June 

1st,  180-2,  at  Yorktown,  Ya. :  fever. 
Mavnaid.  Thaddeus,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  died  Aug. 

6th,  1SG2,  at  Philadelphia,  of  fever. 
Schwart/,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  died  Aue. 

10th,  186-2,  of  lever. 
Belong,  John,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  died  Dec.  4th, 

1862.  at  Hagentowa,  Md.,  of  chronic  diarrhea. 
Darinon.  Augustus  L.,  Private,  enlisted   May  13th.  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  died 

Nov.  llth,  1862,  at  Soldiers'  Home,  Washington,  of  dysentery. 
Patterson,   Eben,  Private,   enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.Y.;    died  Dec. 

30th,  1862,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.,  of  diarrhea. 

DESERTED. 

Palmer,  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  deserted  July 

7th,  1861.  at  Elmira,  N.  Y. 
Barnum.  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;    deserted 

July  8th,  1861,  at  Elmira,  N.  Y. 
Benjamin,  George,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;   deserted 

Aug.  1st.  1SG1,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
Chambers,  George,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1  SGI,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  deserted 

Aug.  '20th,  1861,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
Warren.  Samuel,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  deserted 

Aug,  2oth.  1861,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
Winnie.  James,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  deserted  Sept. 

28th,  1861,  nt  Fort  Ethan  Allen. 
Koppie,  Gottlieb,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1SC1,  at  Nunda,  N.Y.;  deserted  Nov. 

17th,  1861,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 
Emery,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  deserted  July 

8th,  18G1,  at  Elmira,  N.  Y. 
Guy,  Clinton,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1SG1  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  deserted  May 

8tb,  18G2,  at  Williaiusburg,  Va. 

DISCHARGED. 

Wilson,  Marvin,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  28th,  1862  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  discharged  at 

Convalescent  Camp,  Alexandria,  Va..  Jan.  16th,  1863. 
Randall,  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861,  at  Xnnda,  N.  Y. ;  discharged 

at  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  June  18th.  1861,  on  account  of  disability. 
Green,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1801.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged  at 

Elmira,  N.  Y.,  June  20th,  1861,  on  account  of  disability. 
Hays,  Edwin,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th.  1861.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged  at 

Elmira,  June  2Jth.  1801.  on  account  of  disability. 
Gillett,  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged  at 

Washington,  D.  C.,  Aug.  4th,  1861,  on  account  of  disability. 
Phillips,  Samuel,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  13th,  1801,  at  Nnndi,  N.  Y.;  discharged 

at  Washington,  D.  C.,  Aug.  4th,  1801.  on  account  of  disability. 
Mayh«nv.  Itcuben,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  13th.  1801.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged 

at  Washington,  D.C.,  Aug.  4th.  1801,  o'n  account  of  disability. 
Hall,  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  May  13tli,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged  at 

Washington,  D.  C.,  Aug.  15th,  1861,  on  account  of  disability. 
Iltylbnrdlenry,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1801,  at  Nund'a,  N.  Y. ;  discharged 

at  General    Hjspitil,  Alexandria.  Va..  March.  1862,  on  account  of  disability. 
Gregory,  Dwight,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged  at 

Yorktown.  April  30th,  1862.  on  account  of  disability. 
Bently,  David,  Private,  enlisted  July  4th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  discharged  at 

Washington,  D.  C.,  April,  1862,  on  account  of  disability. 
Preston,  Warren,  Private,  enlisted  May  23th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged 

at  Washington,  D.  C.,  Jan.  1st,  1803,  on  account  of  disability. 
Partridge,  Norman.  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged 

at  Washington,  D.  C.,Jan.Cth,  1863,  on  account  of  disability. 


COMPANY    G.  61 

Phetterplace,  Edwin,  Private,  enlisted  April  3d,  1862,  at  Geneva.  N.  Y.;  dis 
charged  at  Albany,  N.  Y.;  Jan.  ICth.  1803  on  account  of  disability. 

Bump,  James.  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  26th.  1802,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  discharged  at 
Albany.  N.  Y..  March,  1863,  on  account  of  disability. 

Dodge,  William  D..  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861.  at  Nnnda,  N.  Y.;  discharged 
at  Baltimore,  Md.,  March  5th,  1863,  on  account  of  disability. 

Fuller,  Henry  F.,  Private  enlisted  Aug.  30th.  1862,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  discharged 
at  Div.  Hospital,  White-Oak  Church,  April  13th,  18t3,  on  account  of  disa 
bility. 

Stebbins,  James  K.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  dis 
charged  at  Autictam  General  Hospital  April  14th.  1SG3,  on  account  of  disa 
bility. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Greenwood,  Jonathan,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  trans 
ferred. 

Carter,  John  J.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13th,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y;  transferred 
to  Regimental  Band,  Aug.  1st,  1861. 

Barker,  John  F.,  Private,  enlisted  May  13tb,  1861,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  transferred 
and  promoted  to  Quartermaster-Sergeant  Thirty-third  New  York. 

Clark,  Michael.  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  24th,  1862  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. :  transferred 
and  promoted  to  Commissary  Sergeant  Thirty-third  New  York,  May  22d,  '62. 

Driscoll.  Michael.  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  29th,  1862.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D.  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  4'Jth  N.  Y..  May  loth.  1SC3. 

Doly.  Howard  B..  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  25th.  1862,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  1»,  33d  N.  Y..  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  loth.  1863. 

Dibble,  Alvin  H..  Private,  enlisted  Oct.  loth,  1862.  at  Nuiidi,  N.  Y. ;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d N.  Y..and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  loth,  1863. 

Duryee,  Eugene,  Private,  enlisted  Sept.  17th,  1862,  at  Nunda.  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  3Sd  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  15th,  18C3. 

Evans.  David  M..  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  20th,  1862,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  15th,  1SC3. 

Greenwood,  William,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  27th,  1862,  at  Nundi,  N.  Y. ;  trans 
ferred  to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y.,  May  15th,  1SC3. 

Ilerrick,  Mortimer,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  27th,  1862,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y. ;  trans 
ferred  to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  at  Brigade  Headquarters. 

Hilyer,  Ezekiel,  Private,  enlisted  Sept.  29th,  1862,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D.  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  ta  49th  N.  Y.,  May  loth,  1863, 

Johnson.  John  F.,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  2Sth.lS62.  at  Numln.  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  15th.  1SC3. 

Lamb.  David  (}.,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  16th,  1862.  at  Numta,  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y..  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y.,  May  15th.  18C3. 

Lieb,  Jacob.  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  26th,  1862,  at  Nnnda.  N.  Y. ;  transferred  to 
Co.  D.  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  15th.  1863. 

Nolan.  William  J..  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  16th  1862,  at  Nnnda.  N.  Y.;  transfer 
red  toG>.  D.  33d  N.  Y..  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y.,  May  15th,  1863. 

Piper.  Henry  W..  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  30th,  1862,  at  >unda.  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D.  33d  N.  Y..  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  15th.  1863. 

Reckard.  Orman,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  16th.  1862,  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D.  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  15th,  1863. 

Sherman  Delo*,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  30th,  1862.  at  Nunda,  N.  Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D.  33d  N.  Y.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y..  May  15th.  1863. 

Smith,  Pebiticy.  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  30th,  1862,  at  Nnnda,  N.Y.;  transferred 
to  Co.  D,  33d  N.  Y..and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y.,  May  15th,  1S63. 

White.  Josej  h,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  30th.  1862. at  Nnnda.  N.  Y.;  transferred  to 
Co.D,  33d  N.  Y.,and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y.,  May  loth,  1863. 


COMPANY  G. 

Gale.  George  A., Captain,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  First  Sergeant  at 
enrolment;  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant  20th  of  May,  1862  (vice  Corning 
promoted);  promoted  to  Firut  Lieutenant  15th  of  Oct.,  1862  (vice  Evstaphievo 


62  COMPANY   G. 

resigned);  promoted  Captain  27th  of  Dec.,  1832  (vice  Hamilton  promoted);  as- 
Biimeil  command  15th  Jan.,  1863. 

Hamilton,  Theodore  B.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  22.1,  1861,  nt  Klmira;  promoted 
Liaaten&nt-CuiODfl]  02.1  N.  Y.  V.,  27th  Dec.,  1862;  relieved  from  command  of 
Company  14th  Jan.,  1863.— order  of  Gen.  Neill. 

Marshall,  George  W.,  First  Licuteiiiint.  enlisted  Sept. 21st,  1861,  nt  Buffalo;  Ser 
geant  at  enrolment:  First  Sergeant  2'tth  May,  1862;  promoted  Second  Lieu- 
tenant  15tli  Oct.,  1862  (vice  Gale  p.omoted);  then  First  Lieutenant  27th  Dec., 
1862  (vice  Gale  promoted). 

Evstaphi.-ve.  Alexis  E.,  Fir.-st  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May 'J2d.  1861,  at  Klmira;  re 
signed:  resignation  accepted  14th  Oct..  1862 — order  V\"ar  Hep  irtmrnt. 

Grain,  Uyron  F.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  22d.  1801,  at  Klmira;  Corporal  at 
enrolment,  Co.  D;  promoted  Second  Lieutenant  27th  Dec.,  1S62  (vice  Marshall 
promoted). 

Germain,  Ira  V.,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira  ;  dismissed 
by  order  of  War  Department. 

Thiebold,  William  II.,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  Sept.  21st.  1861,  at  Buffalo;  private 
at  enrolment;  Corporal  4th  Nov.  1861 ;  Sergeant  20th  May.  1862;  First  Ser 
geant  15th  Oct.,  1862— by  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Ha  gar,  Lucas,  Sergeant,  enlisted  Sept.  21st,  1801,  at  Buffalo;  Private  at  enrol 
ment;  Serge  uit  27th  July,  1802— by  order  Col.  Taylor. 

Dunn.  William  J.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  June  29th,  1801,  at  Buffalo;  Private  at 
•enrolment:  Sergeant  2d  Aug.,  1802— by  order  Col.  Taylor. 

Broughton,  Henry.  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Klmira;  Private  at  enrol 
ment:  Corporal  4th  Nov.,  1861 ;  Sergeant  2d  Sept.,  1862 — l»y  order  Col  Taylor. 

Frazer,  John  J.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May22d,  1801,  at  Elmira:  Corporal  at  enrol 
ment:  Sergeant  15th  Oct.,  1862 — order  Col.  Taylor;  transferred  from  Co.  D, 
18th  Oct.,  1862,  order  Gen.  Vinton. 

McCarthy,  Jame-,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d.lS61,at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrol 
ment:  Corporal  1st  Aug.,  1862— order  Col.  Taylor. 

Storey,  Henry,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrolment; 
Corporal  1st  July,  1861 ;  transferred  from  Co.  D  llth  Oct.,  1862,  order  of  Gen. 
Vinton. 

Lovett,  Charles,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861.  at  Elmira:  Private  at  enrol 
ment:  Corporal  1st  July,  1861;  transferred  from  Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  1862— order  of 
Gen.  Vinton. 

Patterson,  Benjamin,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d.  1801,  at  Elmira:  Private  at 
enrolment;  Corporal  1st  Jan.,  1SC3 — order  Col.  Taylor;  transferred  from  Co.  D 
18th  Oct.,  1862;  order  Gen.  Vinton. 

Palmer,  George  W.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  nt  Elmira;  Private  at 
enrolment;  Corporal  1st  May,  1802 — order  Col.  Taylor;  transferred  from  Co.  D 
18th  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton. 

Armstrong.  Asel.  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira,  transferred  from  Co. 
D,  18th  Oct..  1802— order  Gen.  Vinton. 

Altmyer,  Franklin  A.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861.  at  Elmira. 

Acker,  James, Private,  enlisted  Nov.  ^2d,  1801.  at  Camp  Griffin. 

Blarney,  Uobert  W.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1802,  at  Elmira;  wounded  3d  of 
May',  1803. 

Booker,  Michael,  Private,  enlisted  April  10th,  1862,  at  Buffalo;  wounded  3d  oi 
May,  1803. 

Brown,  William  II.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22«1,  1801,  at  Elmira. 

Brown.  Francis  L..  Private,  enli-ted  "  transferred  from 

Co.  D  l«Jh  Oct..  1862—  order  Gen.  Vinton. 

Barehin,  Henry.  Pi -ivate, enlisted  "  transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  1802— order  Gen.  Vinton. 

Bliss,  John.  Private,  enlisted  "  transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton  ,  wounded  4th  May,  1862. 

Bruno,  Horace,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  absent  Western  Gun 
boat. 

Cunmiings.  Edward,  Private,  enlisted 

Carney,  John  W.,  Private,  enlisted 

Chapel.  Samuel.  Private,  enlisted 

Desmond.  Timothy.  Private. enlisted          " 

Drum,  Jacob,  Private,  enlisted  "        Buffalo. 


COMPANY   G.  63 

Decker,  John  I.,  Private,   enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  transferred  from 

Co.  D  IStli  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton. 
Davis,  Henry  G.,  Private,  enlisted  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  IStli  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton. 
Fosburjr,  Albert,  Private,  enlisted  "  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton. 
Fuller.  Mortimer,  Private,  enli-trd  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton. 

Graham.  John,  Private,  enlisted  "  "  " 

Germain,  Peter.  Private,  enlisted  June  30th,  1S61  " 

Hart,  Kdward  M.,  Private,  eniisted  May  26th,  1862  "        Sergeant  at  en 

rolment. 

Hager,  Patrick.  Private,  enlisted  "  "  " 

Heisre,    John,  Private,  enlisted    June    29th,  1861,   at    Buffalo. 
Howard,  Timothy,  Private,  enlisted  Oct,  18th,  1861  " 

Harrison.  George,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,   1861        Elmira;  transferred  from 

Co.  DISth  Oct.,  '62—  ouicrGen.  Vinton. 
Herriman.  Henry  II..  Private,  enlisted         "  "  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct'.,  T,2— order  Gen.  Vinton. 
Hackett,  William.  Private,  enlisted  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  ?62— order  Gen,  Vinton. 
Kline,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct..  '62— order  Gen.  Vinton. 

Knox.  Samuel.  Private,  enlisted  Jan.  21st,  1862,  at  Buffalo. 
Lafoy,  Le  naid.  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861  at  Elmira. 
Lubback.  Robert,  Private,  enlisted  "  transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  1862  -order  Gen.  Vinton. 
McGeary.  James,  Private,  enlisted  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  18th  Oct.,  1802— order  Gen.  Vinton. 
McConnell.  Andrew,  Private,  enlisted          "  "        transferred  from 

Co.  D  1st  Nov..  1802,— order  Col.  Taylor. 

McCarthy.  Thomas.  Private,  enlisted  Oct;  16th,  1861,  at  Buffalo. 
Mack.   Patrick.   Private,  enlisted   May   22d,  1861,  at    Elmira. 
Ma/elos,  William.  Private,  enlisted  "  "  " 

Overh' >lster.  Eli.  Private,  enlisted  "  "  " 

Oswald.  Henry.  Pi  ivate,  enlisted  "  "  "        absent  wounded 

17th  Sept.,  iS62.  at  Antietam. 
Oshlcr.  Jacob.  Private,  enlisted  March  Cth,   1S62,   at   Buffalo;  absent  wounded 

17th  Sept..  1S62.  Antietmi. 
Owens,  Asa  B..  Private,  enlisted  April  16th,  1862  "        absent  wounded 

Sept  27,  1862,  at  Antietam. 
Rook.  Ge  irge.  Private.  e:ilisted  June  29th,  1S61  "       absent,  wounded 

17th  Sept.,  1862.  at  Antietam. 

Rolsten.  James.  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1S61  " 

Rice,  Peter.  Private,  enlisted  «'   Corporal  at  enrol 

ment  ;  Private  Oct.  14th.  1862— order  Lt.  Col.  Corning. 
Rand  ill.  Jabez,   Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  "      Transferred   from 

Co.  D  18i h  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton, 
Sliipfer.  William.  Private'  enlisted  May  22d,  1861  « 

Smith,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  "  " 

Starkey.  Charles.  Private,  enlisted  June  29th,  1861  "      absent,   wounded 

3d  May.  1863 

SI  xin,  John.  H..  Private,  enlisted  Sept.  30th,  1861  " 

Tripp.  Wintield.  Private,  enlisted  April  14th.  1861  " 

Thomas.  Is;iac.  Private,  enlisted  June  29th,  1861  " 

Wiley,  James  W.,  Private,  enlisted  "  " 

Williams.   Robert.  Private,  enlisted   May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira. 
Wologan,  Joseph,  Private,  enli-ted  "        transferred  from 

Co.  I)  18th  Oct..  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton. 
Wood.  Kd  win  H..  Private,  enlisted  Oct.  22d,  1861,  at  Bergen;   transferred  from 

Co.  D  ISth  Oct.,  1862— order  Gen.  Vinton  ;  absent  sick. 


64  COMPANY    O. 

DISCHARGED. 

Conroy,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1SG1,  at  Elmira;   discharged  24m 

July,  18(31 — Surgeon's  certificate  of  disability,  per  order  War  Department, 
Mackentilc,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  Kay22d,  1861,  at  Klmira:  dischsrgcd  24th 

July,  1SU1 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  order  War  Department. 
Kelly,  Thoma«,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;   discharged  14th 

Aug.,  1861 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  order  Gen.  Smith. 
McDon ild.  Frank,  Private,  enlisted  Juno  27th,  1861,  at  Buffalo;  discharged  14th 

Sept.,  18(11 — order  War  Department. 
Edsa  11,  Gorge  W.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22d,  18G1  at  Elmira;    discharged  3d 

Nov.,  1861 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability. 
Park-hurst.  Franklin,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,1861,  at  Elmira;  discharged  28th 

Feb.,  18(32 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  order  Gen.  Smith. 
Gillett,  Edward.  Private,  enlisted  Sept.  30th,  1861,  at   Buffalo;  discharged  28th 

Feb.,  1802 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  order  Gen.  Smith. 
Waite,  John  II.,  Corporal,  enlisted   May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;    discharged  9th 

March,  1802— Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  order  Gen.  Smith. 
Keely,   Patrick,   Private,  enlisted   May  22d,   18G1,  at   Elmira;    discharged   9th 

March,  1862 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  order  Gen.  Smith. 
Welch.  Almond,    Private,  enlisted   Oct.   llth,   1861,   at  Buffalo;  discharged  9th 

March,  18f>2 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  order  Gen.  Smith. 
Campbell,  Peter,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  discharged   21th 

March,  1SG2,  per  order  War  Department. 
McCracken,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  June  29th,  1801,  at  Buffalo  ;  discharged  24th 

March,  18G2,  per  order  War  Department. 
Hester.  John,  Private,   enlisted  June   29th,  1861,  at   Buffalo;    discharged  24th 

March,  1862,  per  order  War  Department. 
Tunney,  Williamll.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801, at  Elmira;  discharged  24th 

March,  18<i2,  per  order  War  Department. 
Harrison,  Edward,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  1801,  at  Elmira;  discharged  21st 

April,  18(32 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability. 
Hotter,  Thomas  II.,  Private,  enlisted  March  8th.  1SG2,  at  Buffalo;  discharged  llth 

Sept.,  1862. 
Krein,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted   June   29th,  1861,  at  Buffalo;    discharged  llth 

Oct.,  18(32 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability. 
Adams,  Daniel,  Private,  enlisted   April  5th,  1862,  at  Buffalo;   discharged  2Sth 

June,  1802. 
Center,  John,  Private,   enlisted   May   22d,   1SG1,   at    Elmira;     discharged  2Sth 

June,  1862. 
Meyers,   Peter,  Private,   enlisted  May  22d,  1SG1,  at   Elmira  ;  discharged  28th 

June,  1802. 
Bridge,  Edward.  Private,  enlisted  March  23th,  1863,  at  Buffalo ;  discharged   2Sth 

June,l  862. 
Howes.  George,  Corporal,  enlisted  June  29th,  1862,  at  Buffalo;  discharged  17th 

Nov.  1802 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability. 
Bruce.  Daniel,  Private,  enlisted   May  22d,  1861,  at  Elmira;  discharged  16th  Dec., 

1862 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability. 
Craft,  John.  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  discharged  9th  Dec.,  '03— 

Surgeon's  certificate  disability. 
Bond,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira:  discharged  3d  Jan.,  '62 

— Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  Gen.  Smith's  order. 
Clark,  Kdward,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Klinira;  discharged  llth  Jan., 

'03 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  Gen.  Smith's  order. 
Corcoran,  John.  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  discharged  llth  Jan., 

'63 — Surgeon's  certificate  disability,  per  Gen. Smith's  order. 
Monks,  Lawrence,  Private,  enlisted  Dec.  21st,  '01,  at  Buffalo;  discharged  2d  Jan., 

'63— Surgeon's  certificate  disability. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Wood,  fjoren/oD..  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  30th. '62,  at  Canandaigua  ;  transferred 

17th  Nov.,  '02,  by  order  Gen.  Vinton — Brigade  Band. 
Burwell,  Nathan  A.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;   transferred  May, 

'03,  by  order  Col.  Taylor. 


COMPANY   G.  65 

DIED. 

Edwards,  John  C.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  in  Hospital 

Washington,  D.  C..Aug.  18th.  '61. 
Weisgerber,  Peter,  Private,  enlisted  June  29th,  '61,  at  Buffalo;   died  at  Camp 

Lynn,  D.  C..  1st  Sept.,  '61. 
Conner*,   Patrick,   Private,  enlisted  June  29th,  '61,  at   Buffalo;   died  at   Camp 

Griffin,  Va.,  20th  Nov.,  '61. 
Cooper,  James  W.,  Private,   enlisted  June  29th,  '61,  at  Buffalo  ;  died  at  Camp 

Griffin,  Va.,  Dec.,  '61. 

VanBoklin,  John  A.,  Private,  enlisted  June  29th, '61,  at  Buffalo;  died  in  Hos 
pital,  Philadelphia.  Much,  'fil. 
Baker,  James  C.,   Private,  enlisted  June  29th,  '61,  at  Buffalo ;  missing  in  battle 

29th  June.  'C2. 
Connors,   Thomas.  Sergeant,  enlisted   May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  Camp, 

Harrison's  Landing,  2d  Aug..  ?62. 
Stanficld,  Charles,  Private,  enlisted  June  29th,  '61,  at  Buffalo ;  died  at  Ant-ictam, 

Md.,  17th  Sept.,  '62— wounded  in  battle. 
Aseltryse.  Benjumin  J..  Private,  enlisted  May 23d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  Bakers- 

ville,  Md.,  9th  Oct..  ;62. 
Ea^tiiun.  Ilenrv,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  Hagerstown, 

27 tli  Oct.,  '02. 
Hale,  George  C.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22<1, '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  Hagerstown 

14th  Nov.,  '62. 

DESERTERS. 

Acker.  Martin  C.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  17, 

'61,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Lee.  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  20,  '61,  from 

Washington,  D.  C. 
McXeal.  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug  20,  '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Pierce,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted  June  29,  '61,  at  Buffalo;  deserted  Aug.  21,  '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Smith.  Henry  !?..  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  21, '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Wilson,  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Ang.  21,  '61, 

from  Washington.  D.  C. 
Williams,  St-th,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  21,  '61, 

from  Washington,  1).  C. 
Davis,  Edward  D.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug. 23,  '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
French.  John  B.    Private,  enlisttd  May   22d,  '61,  at  Elmira  ;  deserted  Aug.  23, 

'61,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Irwin.  Cornelius.  Private,  enlisted  May  20,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  23*11, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Martin,  Joseph,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d, '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  23,  '61. 

from  Washington.  D.  C. 
Morse,  Henry  B.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira ;  deserted  Aug.  23, 

'61,  from  Washington.  D.  C. 
Patchin.  Sunnel,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira  ;  deserted  Aug.  10, '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Rodney.  John  F..  Private,  enlisted  May  23d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  10,  '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Rogers,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Ang.  10,  '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Rogers,  Peter,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  10, '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Slocum,  Theodore.  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Aug.  24, 

'fil,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Wells.  William  II.,  Serzeant,  enlisted  May  22d, '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Sept., 

'61,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Andrew,  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Sept., '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 


66  COMPANY   H. 

Adams,  George,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d, '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted   Sent     '61. 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Btedman.  Theodora,  Private,  eulisted  May  23d,  '61,  at  Elmira  ;  deserted  Sept.,  '61, 

from  Washington,  X>.  C. 
Todd,  <!«:>rj;i!,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira  ;  deserted  Sept.,  '61,  from 

Washington,  D.  C. 
Bold  in.  Kdward.  Private,  enlisted  May  22J, '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Sept,  61. 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Watson.  Gt-orgc  II.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Sept.,  '61, 

from  Washington,  D.  C. 
Grant,  John,  Private,  enlisted  June  29,  '<H,  at  Buffalo;  deserted  Sept.  7,  '61,  from 

Camp  Lyon,  D.  C. 
Haniil ton,'  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Sept.  28, 

from  Camp  Ethan  Allen. 
Calwell,  George,  Private,  enlisted  Sept.  20,  '61,  at  Buffalo;  deserted  Jan.  1,  '62, 

from  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 
Marley,  Thorn  is,  Musician,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira ;  deserted  Nov.  16, 

'61,  from  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 
Stewart,  Thomas,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira  ;  deserted  Nov.  16,  '61, 

from  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 
Strong,  William,  Private,  enlistod  June  23,  '61,  at  Buffalo  ;  deserted  Jan.  27, '62, 

from  Camp  Griffin,  Va. 
Burke,  William,  Private,  enlisted  June  29,  '61-,  at  Buffalo ;  deserted  June  6,  '62, 

from  Camp  Lincoln,  Va. 
Miller,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted  Dec.  21,  '61,  at  Buffalo;  deserted  June  6, '62,  from 

Camp  Lincoln,  Va. 
Welch,  Walter,  Private,  enlisted  Doc.  11,  '61,  at  Buffalo;  deserted  June  6,  '62, 

from  Camp  Lincoln,  Va. 
Bennett*,  John,  Sergeant,  enlisted  June  20,  '01,  at  Buffalo  ;  deserted  July  28,  '62, 

from  Harrison's  Landing,  Va. 
Eied,  R  jbert,  Private,  enlisted  June  23,  '61,  at  Buffalo ;  deserted  July  23,  'o2,  from 

IIirrHon's  Landing,  Va. 
Newton,  J-i'iti.  Privire,  enlisted  Miy22,  '61,  at   Elmira;  deserted  Sept.  1,  '62, 

from  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 
Higgins,  Edward,  Private,  enlisted  Dec.  15,  '61,  at  Buffalo;  deserted  Sept.  4,  '62, 

from  Fairfix,  Va. 
Higncjr,  Willia-n,  Private,  enlisted  Feb.  4, '62,  at  Buff.ilo;  deserted  Sept.  4,  '62, 

from  Fairfix.  Va. 
Wentink,  John,  Private,  enlisted,  May  22d, '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Nov.  17, '62, 

on  march,  Va. 
Benson,  David  F.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  Dec.  5,  '62, 

from  Acquia  River,  Va. 
Cuitiss,  Edward   P..  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  from 

Paroled  Camp,  Annapolis,  Md. 
lenson,  David,  T.,  Private,  enlisted  Sept.  2d,  '62.  at  Canandaigua;  deserted  April 

20,  '63,  from  White  Oak  Church,  Va. 
Creiswell,  William,  Private,   enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at   Elmira;  deserted   from 

Paroled  Camp,  Annapolis,  Va. 
Stewart,  Daniel  W.,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  23d,  '62,  at  Rochester;  deserted  from 

While  Oak  Church,  Va. 


COMPANY  H. 

Platner,  John  S.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  1,  1801,  at  Geneva  ;  promoted  to  Major, 
vic«i  Major  J.  Mann,  resigned,  November  24,  "62 

Drake.  Alexander  H  ,  Captain,  enlisted  .\Uy  1,  '61,  at  Geneva  :  promoted  to  Captain 
from  First  Lieutenant,  vice  Captain  I'lauier  promoted  January  24.  '62. 

Niles,  Kt>u'.en  C  ,  First  Lieutenant.,  enlisted  May  1,  '61.  at  Gem-va  ;  promoted  to 
First  Li-ntenunt  from  Second  I  ii-utt-nant,  vice  First  Lieutenant  A.  II.  Dr.iko;  pro 
moted,  January  24,  '62,  and  resigned  December  5,  '62. 

Cole,  oti.«.  First  Lieutenant,  eulisted  August  28,  '62,  at  Rochester  ;  promoted  from 
1'iivate  to  First  Lieutenant,  October  13,  '62. 


COMPANY    H.  67 

Guion.  .T.  Marshall,  Second  Lieutenant ;  promoted  from  Sergeant  Co.  A,  to  Second 
Lieutenant  Co.  H,  January  24,  '62,  vice  Second  Lieutenant  K  C.  Mies,  promoted 
December  28,  '62. 

Porter,  Sylvester,  Second  Lu-utennnt,  enlisted  May  1.  '61.  at  Geneva;  promoted 
from  First  Sergeant  to  Second  Lieutenant,  October  16,  '62. 

Riuger.  Charles,  Kirst  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva  ;  promoted  from 
Sergeant  to  Kirst  Sergeant,  January  1.  '63. 

Whitney,  William  II,  Sergeant,  enlis'ed  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  promoted  from 
Corporal  to  sergeant,  September  15.  '(51. 

Acker.  Davit!,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  promoted  from  Corporal  to 
Sergeant,  December  31.  '61. 

O'K'kihet  Uy,  K.dward,  Sergeant,  enlisted  Mav  1,  '6!,  at  Geneva;  promoted  from  Pri 
vate  to  Corporal.  December  28,  '61.  nn'l  from  Corporal  to  Sergeant,  March  9,  '62. 

Wagner,  Joseph  K,  Sergeant,  transferred  from  Corporal  Co    C. 

Hamilton,  John  M..  Corporal,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  promoted  from  Pri 
vate  to  Corporal.  August  12,  '61. 

Buch:uwn,  John  <i.,  Corporal,  enlisted  '•  "  ••  «•  Pri 

vate  to  Coiporal,  Aumist  ];'i,  '62. 

Van  (Jelder.  Chat  les,  Corporal,  enli.sted  "  "  "  •'  Pri 

vate  to  Corporal.  Octaber  17. '61. 

Mad* gar,  Michael  X.,  Corporal,  enlisted  "  «•  "  Pri. 

vate  to  Corporal,  October  17,  '61. 

Barr,  Ardiibahl.  Piivate,  enlisted  May  1,  "61,  " 

bakeman.  .Martin  B.,  "  "  "  " 

Barker,  (ieorge  K.,         "  '•  ••  •' 

Bruuilage,  (Jilberl  F.,  "  •'  '•  '»  detached  as  Team- 

pter  in  the  Urig.  Q.  M.  fippt. 

Burridge,  Joseph  H  ,  Privite,  enlisted  May  1,  "  wounded  in  battl* 

at  Garnetfs  Hill,  \"a.,  June  28,  '62;  weiit  toGen'l  Hospital  in  Pnila-lelphia. 

Bailey,  Charles  S.,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  taken  prisoner  at  Fred- 
erick.sburg,  Mav  4,  '63;  paroled. 

Cors,  lieorge  H..  Private,  enlisted  "  •'  wounded  at  Gaines*  Hill 

June  28,  '61. 

Comes,  Charles  T..  Private,     "        December  28,  '61   " 

De  St.  Croix,  Louis  P.,  "  •«  May  1.  '61.  "  wounded  at  Fredericks- 

burg.  May  4.  '63- 

Dox,  William  H.,  "        "        Pecemher  17, '61,  at  Geneva. 

Dye,  Frank,  "        "        May  1,  '61,  " 

Eglesti-n,  Jesse,  "  "  "  "  wounded  at  Fred - 

eiicksburp.  May  3,  '63. 

Ellsworth.  Dyre  \V.,  Private,    "  '•  " 

Freshour,  Henry,  Pi i vate,  enlisted  December  22,  ,61,  " 

Green,  Jacob,  «•  "        Febmarv  22,  '62,  Seneca  Falls. 

Hanvey,  Robert  E.,      '»  •«        May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva. 

Haven,  Hiram,  «•  '•  ••  •« 

Hewitt,  Kobert,  "  "  "  " 

Hoppi-r,  \Villiam,          '•  "        February  22,  '62,  at  Senecn  Falls. 

Johnson,  John,  "  •'  May  1,  'til,  at  Geueva  ;  taken  prisoner  at  Fred- 

ericks'.urjr,  May  4,  '63;  paroled. 

Keene.  Frank,  1'rvate,  enlisted  «  '•  detached  in  Philadelphia 

Hospital  :is  Nurse. 

llHnn,  Frederick.  P  ivate,  enlisted  "  "  reduced  from  Corporal  to 

P;i vate  September  15th, '61,  by  his  own  request;  detached  as  Clerk  at  Brigade 
Headquarters. 

JIason.  John,  1'iivate,  eulistcd  May  1,  'til,  at  Geneva. 

Murrell,  Thomas,     "  «•  '•  •« 

McDonald,  John.  "  "  •'  •«  taken  prisoner  at  Fredericks- 

burg,  May  4.  '63.  and  paroled. 

Moshier,  John,  Private  enli.sted  December  2o,  'Cl,  at  Geneva;  taken  prisoner  at 
Frecerick.«burg,  May  4,  '63.  ami  paroled, 

O'Htien.  Patrick.  Private,  enlisted  JuU  4,  '61. 

Phillips,  Thomas,  «•  •«  May  1, '61,  at  Geneva;  detached  na  Teamster  in 

Brig.  Qiiarter-Mastt- r  Department. 

Saulpaujh,  Philip,  Private,  enlated  May  1,  1S61. 


68  COMPANY  n. 

Scott,  Myron,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  61,  at  Geneva  ;   taken  prisoner  and  wound 
ed  at  Willijun.sburg,  May  5, '62;  also  taken  prisoner  at  Krederieksbur",  an<1  par- 

oled. 

Sholes,  David,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva. 
Smith,  Jeremiah  K.,  "        •'     July'4,  '61.  " 

Spendlove,  Philip  C.,  '•        "     May  1,  '61,  " 

Schwab.  D.iv.d,  "        ••     March  15,  '62,      "         wounded  at  Fredcricksburg, 

May  4.  '6:J;  leg  amputated. 

Siglar,  William  A  ,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  61, at  Geneva. 
Shornton.Jnbii,  "  "        Dec.  28, '61,  " 

Wilbur,  William  E.,        "  "         July  4, '61,  " 

Wirman.  Michael,  '•  •'        May  1,  '61,  '• 

Austin,  Jonas,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  killed  at  Frcd'g,  M.iy  3,  '03. 
Adams,  I.evi,          "  "  •'  '•  "  •'  •< 

Keyes.  Nelson,       '•  "  '•  '•  «•  •»  «« 

Van  Ostrand,  William  S.,      "  "  »'  "  «•  «» 

Elli-«,  George  G  ,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  missed  at  Fred,  May  4,  '63. 
Hill.  John.  Private,  "    Aug.  30, '62,    Rochester;    "  "  •• 

Leopold,  John.  "  "     Aug.  28,  '62,         •'  «•  "  <• 

Moshit-r,  Davison,  "    Dec.  23. '61,      Geneva;        «'  "  »« 

Schemmerhorn,  S.  V.  S.,         "     Aug.  28, '62,  Seneca  Falls;  "  •'  «« 

Shindler,  John,  "     Aug.  28,  '62,     Kochester;     "  "  »' 

Van  Gelder.  Henry  M.,  "     Aug.  30,  '62,  Seneca  Falls:  '»  •'  " 

Austin,  Smith  J./Piivate,  enlisted  August  29,  '62, at  Rochester;  died  March  2.  '63, 

at  Lincoln  Hospital.  l>.  C.,  of  typhoid  fever. 
Backenstow.  Edward  \V.,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  died  July  19,  '61, 

at  Camp  Granger,  1).  C..  by  accident  shot. 

Davis,  Ru«ren»,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  died  August  5,  '61,  at  Co 
lumbia  College  Hospital.  Washington.  l>.   (3.,  of  typhoid  fever. 
Gates.  James  II.,  Private,  died  January  29,  '62,  at'Camp  Griffin,  Va.,  of  typhoid 

fever. 
Goodell,  Asnpb,  Private,  enlisted  August  CO,  '62,  at  Kochester;  died  February  10,  '63, 

at  Smokntown  Hospital,  Mil. 
Wench.  Charles,  Piivate,  enlisted  December  28,  61.  at  Geneva;  died  June  8.  '62,  at 

Soldiers'  Home  U-  S.  Hospital,  N.  Y.;  wounded  at  Williamsburg,  May  5,  '62  ;  leg 

amputated. 
Stuart,  Jacob.  Private,  enlisted  August  30,  '62,  at  Ovid;  died  Octobcr20,  '62,  at  Ha- 

gerstown.  Md.,  of  tvphoM  fever. 
Stone.  Willj.-im,  Private,  unlisted  January  16,  '62,   at  Geneva;  died  July  18,  "62,  at 

U.S.  A.  Hospital,  Philadelphia,  of  tvphoid  fever. 
Partridge,  William  II.,  Private,  enlisted  December  18,  '61,  at  Geneva;  died  date, 

place,  and  disease  unknown. 

Thompson,  John  W..  Private,  enlisted  August  28,  '62,  at  Rochester:  died  Decem 
ber  19,  '62,  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va..  of  infUmmation  of  lungs. 
Vincent,  Knpene  A..  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  flifd  August  29,  '61, 

at  Columbia  College  Hospital,  Washington.  D.  C  ,  of  tvphoid  fever. 
Woodcock,  Harrison.  Corporal,  enlisted  May  1.  '61,  at  Geneva;  died  February  13th, 

'63,  at  AnnapolU  Junction  Hospital,  chronic  diarrhoea. 
Burton.  Thomas,  Private,  deserted  from  Philadelphia  Hospital. 
Crawford,  Myron  W.,  Private.,  enlisted  January   6,  '62,  at  Geneva;  deserted  March 

28,  '62,  from  Alexandria,  Va. 
Doddington,  Mark.  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  deserted  October  31,  '61 

from  Camp  Griffin.  Va 
Moodv,   George  W.,  Private,  enlisted  January  4,  '62,    at  Geneva;  deserted    March 

28,  '62.  from  Alexandria.  Va. 
Smith.  George,  Private, enlisted  May  1,  '61,  Geneva;  deserted  August  20,  '61,  from 

Camp  I.yon,  Md. 
Sm'th,  Charles  \V  ,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  deserted  March  28,  '62, 

from  Alexandria,  Va. 
Sherwood.  Geerge  FT..  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  deserted  August  6, 

'62,  from  Harrison's  Landing. 
Turck,  Frertf.iicu,  ''rivate,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  deserted,  date  unknown, 

from  Philadelphia  Hospital. 


COMPANY   H.  69 

DISCHARGED. 

Austin    Hurly  S  ,  Private,  enlisted  September  1,  'Cl,  at  Rochester;  discharged  Mar. 

17, '63,  at  Camp  White  Oak  Church;  disability. 
Baxter,  Thumns,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva. 
BoWfcU.  Thomas  G.,  Private,     ••  •'  •' 

Brolherton.  Alvin,        "  "  " 

Brown,  Charles  B.,        "  "        Dec.  22, 

Beach.  William  K.,  Musician,    '•        May  1,  "        discharged  July  3,  '62,  at 

Harrison's  Landing;  chronic  diarrhoea. 
Bliun,  Tuom.-is  ti  ,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,          '• 
Conklin.  Robert.  "  "  "  "        discharged  February  21st, 

'62,  at  I'liil.-idelphia  Hospital:  disability. 
Campbell,  Mirhael,  Private,  enlisted  May  1.  "61,         "        discharged  September  24, 

*t3,  at   Baltimore  Hospital;  wounded  in  hand  at  Williamsbtirg,  May  5, '62. 
Dox,  Stephen.  Private,  eulisted  May  1,'61,  at  Geneva;  discharged  March  16,  '63,  at 

U.  S.  Gen'l  Hospital,  Pa  :  wounded  in  log  at  Antiethm.  Septt  inter  17,  '62. 
Denis,  Alexander,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  1,'61,  at  Geneva. 
Denis.  Jacob,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  'Cl,  at  Geneva. 
Dye,  David  1..,        •'  "  "  "        discharged  February  18,  '62, 

"at  Camp  Griffin,  Va.;  disability. 
Egleston,  Henry,  Private,  enlisted    "  " 

Ford.  Henry  C.,  "  "        "  " 

Fieshour.  Cba.lfs,       "  «•        " 

Hibner,  George.  Private,  enlisted  August  30,  '62,  at  Rochester;  discharged  Janu- 

uary  3.  '63.  at  \Vhit«  Oak  Church,   Va. 
Hicks',  William  II.   Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva. 

Harrison,  .John,  "  "      Augur«t  28.  '62,  at  Rochester;  discharged  Janu 

ary  15, '63,  at  White  Oak  Church,  Va.;  disability. 
Hart,  Hubert.  Private. enlisted  August  30,  '62,  at  Rochester;  discharged  Januarys, 

'63,  at  \Vbite  Oak  Church,  Va  ;  disability. 
Jobnson,  Joseph.  Private,  enlisted  May  1,''G1,  at  Geneva;  discharged  March  10th. 

'62,  at  Camp  Griffin,  Va.;  disability. 
Jones,  Elegant  W.,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,        " 
Johnson,  Nathan  (>.,    "  "  "  "      discharged  January  3, '63, 

at  White  Oak  Church,  Va.,  disability. 
Knowlton,  Sherman,  Private;  discharged  October  21,  "61,  at  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Va.; 

disability. 
Klingbury,  Frederick,  Private,  enlisted   January  14,   '62,   at  Geneva;  discharged 

April  22. '62,  at  Newport  News,  Va-;  disability. 
Kaen.  Patrick,  Private,  enlisted  January  13,  '62,  at  Geneva;  discharged  December 

31,  '62,  at  Washington,  I).  C.;  disability. 
Monroe,  Curtis  C.,  1'iivate,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva;  discharged  January  17, 

'62,  at  Camp  Giiffin,  Va. ;  disability 
Murphy,  Barney,  Private,  enliste<l  February  21,  '62,  at  Seneca,  discharged  April  4, 

'62,  at  Newport  News,  Va.;  disal  ility. 

Mclvrc.  William.  Private;  discharged  April  23,  '62,  at  Newport  News;  disability. 
Manning,  William  M.,  Piivate,  enlisted  May  1.  '61,  at  Geneva. 

Pike,  Benjamin,  Piivate,  enlisted  January  18,  '62,  at  Geneva;  discharged,  time  un 
known,  at  Alexandria  Hospital;  disability. 
Petrie,  Peter,  Piivate,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva. 
Pratt,  Hiram,  Piivate. 
Partridge,  >  rank.  Private,  enlisted  Mny  1,  'Gl,  at  Geneva;  discharged  October  27, 

'62,  at  U.  S.  Hospital,  Albauv;  gunshot  wound  in  arm. 
Rhoad.  William  P.,  Private. 
Redfield,  Willi-m.  B,  Private,  enlisted    August  26.   '62.  at  Barre;  discharged  No- 

vembf-r  17,  '62,  at  Aujuia  Creek,  Vs.;  to  be  mustered  into  Brigade  Band. 
Smith,  Henry.  Piivate,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva. 
Wbeater,  Benjamin,  Private,  enlisted  May  1,  '61,  at  Geneva. 
Wilson,  Ezra, 

TRANSFERRED. 

Boyle,  Barney,  Private,  enlisted  Anjrust  30.  '62,  at  Senoca:  transferred  to  Co.  D. 

33d  N.  V.  S.  V..  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  May  15, '63. 
Brooks,  Martin,  Private,  enlisted  August  30,  '62,  at  Rochester;    same  a*  nHove. 
Cady,  Edwin  A.,  same  as  above. 


70  COMPANY  I. 

Caywood,  David  G.,  Private,  cnLstcd  Aup,30,  '61,  at  Ovid;  Fame  as  above. 

Dart,  Jonathan,         "  '     31,  Fame  as  a'«ove. 

Katon,  Ortus  C..  '     28,  Rochester;  i-ame  as  above. 

Everest,  Calvin  H.,    "  '     30,  Ovid;  same  as  above. 

GafTeney,  Charles,    "  '     28,  Rochester;  same  as  above. 

Gille.it,  William  H.,  "  '     30,  Victor;  same  as  above. 

Gillett,  dark  B.,  '     28,  same  as  at.ovc. 

Guire,  Pavick,  '     20,  Rochester;  fame  ns  above. 

Guire,  Michar],  '     29,  Fame  as  anove. 

Hart,  Michael,  '     30,  P.I  me  ns  a'.ove. 

Havens,  John  S.,      '  28.  «unc  a«  above. 

Ireton,  Thomas,  Sept.  5.  Seneca  Falls;  same  a«  al»ove. 

Larwood,  Kobert,      '  Aug.  30,  Rochester;  KI me  as  above. 

Larwood,  Lorenzo,    "  '    30,  san:e  as  above 

harwood,  Samuel,     '  "     3  >,  Bamc  as  aliove. 

McCarthy,  Thoinis.  "  "    30,  Victor;  f=ame  as  above. 

Richlmrg,  Henry,      '  *'    29,  ..Rochester:  panic  «s  above. 

Van  Gelder,  Alfred*  "  "     28,  Seneca  Kails;  sam«  as  above. 

Voor  Hecs,  Wcczuer,  "    31,  Ovid;  same  asabove. 


COMPANY  I. 

Root,  Edward  E.,  Captain,  enlisted  May  22,  1801,  at  Elinira;  Lieutenant  at  enrol, 
roenf,  promoted  to  Captain,  December  2J,  '01,  vice  Letts  resigucd:  absent,  wound 
ed  in  action  of  May  3,  '63. 

Lstts,  James  M  ,  Captain,  enlisted  M.iy  22,  "61,  at  Elmira;  re&igncd  December  31,  '61, 
and  resignation  accepted  by  order  of  (Jen.  McClellan. 

Long,  William  H.,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  '22.  '61,  at  Klmira;  promoted  from 
Second  Lieutenant  to  First  Lieutenant,  December  31,  '61;  promoted  to  Captain 
and  A.  A  A.  G.  and  transferred  to  Staff  of  Gen.  Vinton,  November  2o,  '62. 

Brennan,  George,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  2%2,  '61,  at  Klmira;  Private,  at  en 
rolment;  promoted  Sergeant  August  1,  '61;  promoted  to  First  Sergeant  January 
1,  '62;  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant  December  27,  'C2;  assigned  to  Co.  I,  by  or 
der  of  C'ol.  rt.  F.  Taylor. 

Howe,  Charles,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  promoted  from 
J-'iist  Sergeant  to  Second  Lieutenant,  December  31, '61;  icsigned  October  30th, 
'62;  as-signed  to  Co.  I,  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Hunter,  Thomas,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrol 
ment;  promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1,  "62;  promoted  to  First  Sergeant,  Janu 
ary  1,  '63,  by  order  of  Col  Taylor. 

Gordon.  John,  Sergeant,  enlisted  .May  22,  '61.  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrolment:  pro 
moted  to  Corporal,  January  1,  '6J;  promoted  to  1st  Sergeaut,  January  1,  '63,  by 
order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Rice,  Kdvvard  S  ,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira. 

Shearman,  George.  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22,  '61.  at  Klmira;  Private  at  enrolment; 
promoted  to  Corporal.  January  1,  "62;  promoted  to  First  Sergeant,  January  1st, 
'63,  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Demmiiig,  Putnam,  Sergeant,  culisted  May  22,  '61,  nt  Elmira;  Piivatc  at  enrolment; 
promoted  to  Sergeant,  January  1,  '63,  bv  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Shtil</.,  Morris,  Corporal,  e.'ili-ted  May  22,  '61,  «t  Klmira;  Private  at  enrolment;  pro 
moted  to  Corporal.  January  1.  '63.  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Randolph,  Byron,  Corporal,  enlisted  ALay  22,  '61,  at  Klmira:  Private  at  enrolment; 
promoicd  to  Corporal,  January  I,  '63,  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Mixon,  Mengo,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Klmira;  Private  at  enrolment;  pro- 
motvd  to  Corpoial,  January  1,  '63,  by  order  of  Co!.  Taylor. 

Plavsted.  William,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  '61.  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrolment; 
promoted  to  Corporal,  Jannary  1,  '63^  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor;  absent  in  hospi 
tal.  Washington,  l>  C.,  from  wounds  received  in  action  Mav  4,  '63. 

Barber.  I»orr,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  "63,  at  Klmira;  Private  at  enrolment;  pro 
moted  to  Corporal,  January  1,  '63,  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor:  absent  in  hospital, 
'Washington,  D.  C.,  from  wounds  received  in  action  May  4.  *63. 

Millis,  Charles,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  "61,  at  Klmira;  Private  at  enrolment; 
promoted  to  Corporal,  January  1,  '63,  by  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 


COMPANY  I.  71 

Smith,  Owen,  Corporal,  enlisted  Mav  22,  '61,  sit  Elmira:  Private  at  enrolment;  pro 
moted  to  Corporal,  January  I,  '63,  hv  order  of  Col.  Taylor;  transferred  from  Co. 
J),  33-1  N".  Y.  S.  Vols  .  October  17,  '62 

Youngs,  (ieorge,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrolment; 
promoted  to  ''orporal,  January  1,  '63,  hy  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Ashley,  John,  Private,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at  Elmira. 

Ambrose,  Patrick,  "  May  22,  transferred  Irom  Co.  D,  334 

>'.  V.  S.  V.,  October  17,  '62,  liy  order  of  Tol.  Tavlor. 

Bremiin,  Patrick,  Pi ivate,  enlisted  M.iy  22,  '61,  at'Klmira. 

Baker,  Daniel  6  , 

bi.-hop,  Cbarle*, 

Corey,  James  W.,  in  hospital,  Washington, 

D.  C.;  alisent  from  wounds  received  in  action  May  4,  '63. 

Chidoey,   Augustus  A.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Khnin. 

Conwav,  Thom«s,  "         transferred  from  Co. 

J>,  :*3d  N.  Y.  S.  V.,  October  17,  '62,  by  order  of  C'ol.  Tavlor:  in  hospital,  Wash 
ington,  D.  C  :  absent  from  wounds  lecvived  in  action,  May  3,  '63. 

D»yle,  James,  Private,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at  tlinira 

Daley,  Daniel,  May  22, 

Davis,  J'tlin  K.,     ** 

Decker,  William,  "  "        transferred  from  Co.  D,  33d 

W.  Y  S.  V'.,  October  17,  '62,  hv  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 

Durham,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Klmira. 

Eddy,  William  H.,  "  in  hospital,  Washington,  D. 

C  ;  absent  from  wounds  i»»ceived  in  action,  MHV  3,  '63. 

Furner,  James,  private,  enlisted  July  6,  "61,  at  Klmira:  in  hospital,  Washington, 
H.  C.:  absent  from  wounds  received  in  action,  Miv  3,  *63. 

Fredenburjrh,  Sylvester,  Private,  enlisted  March  14,"  '62,  at  Milo;  deserted  April  I, 
'62;  apprehended  September  I,  '62. 

Hope,  M-irJin,  Private,  euli<ted  May  22,  '61,  at  FJmirs*. 

Holmes  Joh-i  A  ,     " 

Hunt,  Kujr.'np,          " 

Hunt,  \Villi-im  W.,  »  «  » 

Hyatt,  «:»nrles,        "  "        July  «, 

Mahir,  Michael,      "  Miy22, 

McKinnev,  Truman,  "        July  6, 

McUouneli,  Charles,  "  " 

Merritt,  Hackett,  "        March  14,  '62,  at  Milo;  in  hospital,  Potomac  Cretk 

Bridge,  Va. :  absent  from  woan'ls  received  in  action.  May  3,  "63. 

Mullijran,  Patrick,  Tivato,  eoliste-1  M  iv  22,  '61,  at  Klmira;  transferred  from  Co. 
D,  331  \.  V.  S.  V  ,  October  17.  by  order  of  Col.  Tavlor. 

Neary,  John  K..  Private,  enlisted  .May  22,  '61,  at  Klmira, 

Pierce,  William  K.,      ' 

Reynolds,  deorge,       "  "        Dec.  29,  '61,  at  Geneva, 

Rap'ee,  Oliver,  May  22,  Llmira. 

Sprajuo,  Jeremiah,    "  "        Feb.  8,  "         wounded  in  action  May 

4, '63. 

Shuter,  Chatles,  Jin  6, '62,  at  Geneva;  in   hospital,  Washington, 

D.  <'.,  wounded  in  action,  Mav  3,  *63. 

Singlet  .n,  K-l\»trd.  Private,  enli-te  i  M  vy  22,  '61.  at  Klmira:  transferred  from  Co. 
D,  33  t  ^.  Y.  S.  V  .October  17,  '62,  hv  onlf-r  ..f  Col.  Taylor. 

Ploan,  William  V.  K.,  Private,  enlisted  Mny  22, '61,  at  Klmira. 

Wheaton,  ^ani'iel,  "  n         July  '27,  ** 

Wheaton,  Peter  <.,  "        Keh'y  24,  '«2,  at  Genera;  discharged  at  El 

mira,  N    Y.,  July  8,  '61;  re-enlisted  rebrniry  24,  '62. 

Wheeler,  Edward," Private,  enlisted  March  10', '62,  at  Milo;  in  hospital,  Washing* 

ton,  D.  f. :  alisent  from  wounds  >e«-»-iv«-d  in  action  Mav  4,  '63. 
Wolcott,  John'?  ,  Private, enlisted  Mav  22,  '61,  at  hliuira;  prisoner  from  June  27. 

•62,  to  July  l«, '62 

Wells,  <]eorg"e,  Private,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at  Elmira:  in  hospital,  Washington,  D. 
C.;  a'lient  from  wounds  received  in  action  May  4,  '63;  Oeserted  May  22, '62; 
transferred  Sept.  -2.  '62. 

Brazee.  Freeman  M  ,  Privato,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira:  discharged  Decem 
ber  17,  '62,  at  Culvert  street  Hospital,  Baltimore,  Md.,  on  Surgeon's  certificate 
•f  disability. 

19 


72  COMPANY   I. 

Brown,  Charles,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  'Cl,  at  Elmir.v,  discharged  October  5,  '61 

at  U.  S.  General  Hospital,  Haltimorc,  Md.,  by  order  of  Gen'l  l»ix. 
Baker,  Oliver,  P.i.-atc,  enlisted  January  2S,  '6J,  :it  Geneva;  discharged  April  1,  '62, 

atU.  s.  General  Hospital,  Alexandrh,  Va  ,  on  Surgeon's  certiilc-ile  <>f  disability. 
O'>instoc'{,  (J.ia  le',  Private,  enlisted  .M  ly  '22,  '61,  at  Klnvra;  di  c'.i  irgjd  J.mu.iry  22, 

'63,  at  U.  s.  G.iii.;ral  ll'><pittl,  Portsnv>utu  (Jrove,  K.  I.,  on  Surgeon'*  certificate 

of  UiHi'jility,  IK  order  of  d;)t.   *Ta/,  First  \rtillury,  Comin  Hiding  Post. 
Cook,  Divi  I   \  ,  Sergeant,  unlisted  .May  22,  '61,  at  Klmiifi:  discharged  at  .New  Con 

valescent  Camp,  V;i  ,  on  Burgeon's  eertiiicate  of  dis.ibilitv. 
Cooler,  Hi'iuMi,  Private,  enlisted  M  i.V  22,  '61,  .it  Klmira:  discharged  February  I4tb, 

'63,  at  N'e.v  Convalescent  Cinip,  V.i  ,  on  Surgeon's  certificate  of  disability. 
Doyle,  Ki,-,hi'd  U,  Private,  eiiiisi.ed  May  22,    '61,  at  Klmira:  discharged  P.'-c.cmber 

26,  '62,  a'.  Cam;>  ivar  White  »>ak  Ciiurch,  V/t.,  oil  Surgeon's  ccrtiiioite  of  disabil- 

tty;  translerrev,  from  Uo.  1).  33d  .\.  \  .  S.  V.,  October  17,  '62,  by  order  of  Col. 

Taylor. 
Deare,  Kichu.i,  Private,  enlisted  Aug.  23,  '62,  at  Hochoster;  discharged  N'ovrmber 

2»i,  '62,  bv  orler  of  Gen.  Franklin,  for  the  purpose  of  being  mustered  into  Uiigad0 

Hand. 
Deare,  Kit-hard.  ,jr  ,  Private,  enlisted  August  26,  '62,   nt  Rnchester;  discharged  No- 

veuil>er  2i',  '62,  by  order  of  Gen  .  Franklin  lor  the  purpose  of  bt-ing  mustered  into 

brigade  Maud. 
EHCOU,  Henry,  1'iiv.ite,  enli-ted  August  26,  '62,  at  Rochester:  di«chnrged  Novem 

ber  20,  '62,  bv  order  of  Gen.    r'ranklin  tor  th«   purjio.»e  cf  being  musiered  into 

Brigade  Hand. 
Frost,  John,  Private,  enlisted  August  21,  '62,   at  Havre;  discharged    N'oveml^cr  20, 

'62,  bv  order  ut  Gun.  Franklin  lor  the  purpose  of  being  iniihlered  into    Hii-ade 

band. 


Qoundrv,  floorgt!  \V.,  Private,  enlisted  Jantiary  28,  '62,  at  Albany:  discharged  April 

1,  '62J  al  U  :?.  General  Hospital,  Alexandria,  Va.,  on  Surgeon's  certifieute  of  dis- 

Abilitv. 
Gage,  i.'harleF,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Klmira:  discharged  February  6,  '63, 

at  >ew  foiivalesciMit  (;amp,  Va  ,  on  Surgeon's  certificate  of  disability. 
Harfopl,  Kich-ird  T..  Corporal,  enlisted  ,>lav  22,  'HI,  at  Klmira;  discharged  October 

6,  '61,  at  lf.  S.  Gelicral  Hospital,  Maltimore,  Md.,  by  order  of  (Jen.  Dix. 
HuOb'ii-'i,  l>eb)s  JJ.,  Private,  enlisted  M  iv  22.  'fil,    at    Klmira;  discharged  Septem 

ber  l,%  '62,  at  U.  S.  General  Hospital,  'Philadelphia,  Pa.,  on  Surgeon's  certificate 

of  Oisabi'itv. 
Kolli^o-i,  Samuel,  Private,  entlised  July  6,  '61.  at  Klmira;  discharged  September 

15,  '61,   at  Tamp  Kthan  Alien,  Vn.,  under  the  minor  act. 
Ke>ui,  Wi'liam  II.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  ;it  Klmira;  discharged    January  9, 

'63,  a'  U.  s.  Hospital  [Patent  Office],  Washington,  1).  C.,on  Surgeon's  certificat* 

of  disability. 
Kiddcr,  Clement  \V.,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  nt  Klmirn:  disc-harged  Janu- 

a-v  15,  '6.'5,  at  New  Convalescent  ('.-imp,  VH.,  on  Smgeon's  certificate  of  disability 
Meade,    »ath.-in,  Private,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at   Klmira;  discharged  September   10, 

'61,  nt  Camp  Ktban,  /\llcn,  Va.,  under  the  Minor  Act 
Morse,  liamon,  Musician,    enlisted    May  22,  '61,  nt  Klmira;  discharged  August  9, 

'62,  at  ll'irri>on's  Landing,  Va.,  by  order  of  thu  War  Department. 
Mead,  IVier  V.,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22,  'Cl,  at  Klmira;  discharged  at  New  Con 

valescent  Camp,  Va  .  on  Surgeon's  certificate  of  disability. 
N»-h,  Ch  Utopher,    Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Klmlra;  discharged  nec.^mbcr 

10,  '62,  at  \'-w  Convalescent  (/'-imp,  Va.,  on  Surgeon's  certificate  of  <lisii  ilitv. 
Nftwlove,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,    '61,  at  Klmira;   discharged  December  31, 

•Cl,  at  Ci  n  >  'irifutt,  V.M.,  on  Surgeon's  certifi.-ate  of  disability. 
Pierce,  Jeremiah  S.,  Piivate,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Klmir.-i;  discharged  October  5, 

'61,  «t  U.  ^.  (ieneral  Hospital,  Baltimore,  Md  ,  by  order  of  (Je-i.  |>ix. 
Quick,  Clrnles  U.,  Private,  enlisted  M-iv  22,   '61,    at  Klmira:  discharged  February 

17,  '6.'5,  at  New  (.'onvalescent  Camp,  Vn.,  on  Burgeon's  certificate  of  dNnbilitv. 
Ripply,  J^IKS  '..,    Private,  enlisted  August  2-"),  '62,  at  York:  discharged  November 

20,  ;62,  bv  Older  of  Gen.  Franklin,  for  the  purpose  of  being  mustered  into  Bri 

gade  Kind. 
Richardson.  Ilirnm,  Private,  enlisted  August  2.1,  '02,  a'  York:  discharged  Novem 

ber  20,  '62,  by  order  of  Gen.  Franklin,  for  the  purpose    of  being  mustered  into 
Brigade  Hand. 

Bonnev,  Corn-  lius,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Kl.uira;  deserted  June  13,  '62, 
froni  Camp  Lincoln,  Va. 


COMPANY   I.  73 

Strong,  Richard,  Private,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at  Elmira;  discharged  August  I,  '81, 

at  C.unp  Granger,  D.  C.,  on  Surgeon'*  certificate  of  disability. 
Bbaw.  Lewis,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,   '6i,at  Klmira:  discharged  March  7,  '63,  at 

Washington,  l>.  C.,  on  Surgeon'!-  ceitificate  of  disability. 
Smith,  Uiliier,  I'riv.itc,  enlisted  August  26,  '62,  atBarre;  "discharged  November  20, 

'62,  hv  ordor  of  lien.  Franklin,  for  the  purpose  of  being  mustered  into  Brigade 

Band. 
WoodrulT,  John,  Private,  enlisted  February  24,  '62,  Geneva;  discharged  January  4, 

'63,  at  U.  S.  General  Hospital,  Newaik,  N.  J.,  on  Surgeon's  certificate  of  disabil 
ity. 
Whiiney,  Hiram,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,   '61,   at  Klmira;  disrjnrged  Jnnnary  3, 

'63,  at  t  "amp  near  White  <>«k  Church,  Va.,  on  Surge-m's  certificate  of  disability  { 

transferred  from  Co.  D,  33d  N.  1 .  S.  Vols.,  October  17,  '62,  l-y  order  of  Col.  Tay 
lor. 
Do\  li-,  Jumps,  Prix-ate,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at  Elmira;  transferred  at  Geneva,  X.Y.; 

turned  over  to  Provost  Matthal  at  Elmira,  N.  \  .;  to  be  returned  to  the  Army 

of  ilie  Potomac. 
McKinnev,  Truman,  1'rivate,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at  Elmira;  transferred  at  Genera; 

turned  over  to  Provost  Marshal  at  Elmira:  to  be  returned  to  the  Army  of  tht 

Potomac. 
Her  itt,  llackett,  private,  enlisted  March  1-1,  '62,  at  Milo;  transferred  at  Genera; 

tu  tied  over  to  Provost  .Marshal  at  Elmira;  to  be  returned  to  the  Army  of  the 

1'otomac 
Wheatoii.  Peter  Sv,  Private,   enlisted  February  24.   '62,  at  Geneva;  transferred  at 

(Jeneva:  turned  over  to  Provost  Marshal  at  Klmira;  to  be  returned  to  thu  Army 

of  the  Potomac. 
Rogers,  William  H.,  Private,  enlisted  Angnxt  2o,  '62,  at  Barre:  transferred  May  IS, 

•63,  at  White  Cak  Church.  Va.,  by  order  of  M.ijor-Generai  Sedgwick,  to  49th  N. 

Y.  S.  VoU. 
Atw.tter.  Henry.  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22.  '61.  at  Elmira:  died  January  2C,  '62,  at 

U.  S  General  Hospital,  Georgetown.  I>  C,  of  tv)ih«id  fever. 
Coleman,  ArchibjiM.  Private,  enlisted  July  1,  '61,  at  Klmira:  died  December  9,  '61, 

at  </;um>  (Jriflin,  Va.,  of  tvidioid  tV-ver. 

Crowfoot.  KlisliM.  I'rivale.  e"i  lis?ed  Julv  1,'C2,  at  Elmira;  died  August  13, '62, at  Da 
vid's  Mind  Hospital,  N.  V  ,  of  tvph'.-id  Jever. 
CLapman,  «'hai|^s.  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elinira;  died   Septembers,  '62, 

at  Newark  Hospital,  N.  J.,  of  typhoid' fever. 
Corey,  George  W..  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  killed  in  action,  May 

4,  '63,  at  Salem  ( 'harel,  Va. 
Foster,  W:lli,iin,  Piivale,  enlisted  July  1,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  October  7,  '61,  ttU. 

S. General  Hospital,  Georgetown,  I).  C.,  of  typhoi«l  fever. 
Horton,  Lewis  J.,  Private,  enlisted  .May  22, '61,   at  Elmira;  died  August  19,  '<$.',  at 

Columbian  Hospital,  \"a  .  of  measles. 
Humplnev,  William,   Pi iv.tte,  enlisted  Ma v  22.  '61,   at  Elmira;  died  December   19, 

'61,  at  Tamp  Griffin,  VH  ,  of  »*-ine  accidentally  shot. 
Holmes,  Lewis  B..  Private,  enl.sted  May  22,  '6J,  at  Elmira:  died  December  77,  'G2, 

at  Seminarv  Hi'spiud,  H.ngeistown,  Md  ,  o(  fever  and  diarrhoea. 
Johnson,  \\  ilham,   Private,  enlisted  Mav  22    '61,  at  Elraira;  killed  in  actior,  May 

4,  '63.  at  rvilem  O-arx  I,  Va. 
Murdo.-k,  Augustus,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  January  17,  '62, 

at  Camp  'iriffii',  Vn.,  of  tvphnid  fever. 
Rikei,  William,  Sergeant,  e'nl  sted  May  22,  '61.  at  Elmira;  died  August  28,  '61,  at 

Camp  <I»anger,  Vn.,of  diptheii.t. 
Bbarpe,  Kline,  Private,  enlUted  July  1,  61,  at  Elmira;  died  October  3,  '61,  atU.  8. 

General  Hospital.  Annapuli*,  Md.,  of  di|>theria. 
Reppinirer,  Henry  M.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22.  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  October  1,  '63, 

nt  Finley  Hosi'iittil,  P.  C.,  of  chronic  diarrceha. 
Quick,  George,  Private,  enlisted  .lamiart  28.  '62,   at  Geneva;  died  June  30,  '62,  at 

Savasre  Station  Hospital,  Va..  ot  typhoid  fever. 
Akin*,  H.-ivid,  Private,  pnl'mtoil  July  l,'6l,  at  Elmira;  deserted  September  22,  '81, 

from  Camp  Ethan  Allen,  Va. 
Agins.Jo-  ph.  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  F.lrnira;  deserted  June  13, '62,  from 

('amp  Lincoln.  Va. 
Balowin,    riuTlec,   Private,  enlisted   July  1,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  June  8,  *63, 

from  Camp  Lincoln. 


74  COMPANY    K. 

Boyd,  James  J.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '01,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  7,  '61,  from 

Elmira. 
Ball,  .lames,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  7th,  '61,  from 

Elmira. 
Catterson.  Andrew,  Private,  enlisted  March  14, '62,  at  Milo;  deserted  October  20, 

'62.  from  Hagersrown,   Md. 
fonhnv.  John.  I'livat-.  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  September  15/62, 

from  1,'rampton  (Jap,  !\M. 
Forshnv.  Ch.-irli's.   Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  8,  '81, 

from  K'mii».  N.  Y. 
Gates.  William,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  8,  '61,  from 

Klmira.  X.  V. 
Ilolcomi.,  Jovian,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  8,  '61, 

ff>m  Klmira.  N.  Y. 
Ilylaii.i,  Kenton  C.,   Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  8,  '61, 

from  Klmin.X.   Y. 
Hartwell.  Jon, h,  Private,   enlisted   May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted   July  9, '61, 

from  Klmira.  N    Y 
Mid  len.  Ueonre,  Private,  enlisted  M:iy  22.  '61,  at  Elmira;  dessrted  October  28, '62, 

from  IfagmtftWB,  Mil. 
Oliver.  John,  Musician,    enlisted  M.iy  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  23,  '62, 

ft  >n«  Harrison's  Landing.  Va. 
Rovce,  .lames.  I'rivate,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  June  13,  '62,  from 

Camp  Lincoln,  Va. 
•tetter.  Albert.  Private,  enlisted  July  6,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  December  2?,  '61, 

from  Camp  (Jrittin,  Va. 
White,  James,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  July  5,  '61,  from 

Wmira,  is.  Y. 

COMPANY  K. 

McOraw,  Patrick,  Captain,  enlisted  May  22.  1861,  at  Elmira;  Captnin   at  enrolment. 

bernard,  Byrne,  First  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  2'2,  '61,  at  Eluiiia;  First  Lieuten 
ant  at  enrolment:  wounded  in  action. 

Carey,  Samuel,  Second  Lieutenant;  appointed  August  6,  '61;  detached  on  General 
Smith's  Stall'. 

Byan,  Kjitrick,  Second  Lieutenant,  enlisted  May  22,  '61  at  Elmira;  resigned  Aug. 
0»  *0l 

Curren,  James,  First  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  taken  prisoner,  May 
4,  *63,  Hinl  )>nroled. 

Robinson,  William,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  taken  prisoner,  May 
4.  '63.  and  paroled. 

flmith,  William,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  2^,  bl,  at  Elmira. 

Murtin,  Thom.-is.  Sergeant. 

O'UricM.  Michael,  Serg-ant,  '  Corporal  at  enmlmi»nt, 

and  appointed  Sergeant  September  1,  '62,  and  wounded  at  Fredeiicksburg,  Va.f 
M-iy  4.  •(>$. 

McP  irl.-i -id,  Hugh.  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  '67,  at  Elmira;  wounded  May  3,  '63, 
at  Frederick^tiurg,  Va. 

ToHin.  John,  Corporal,  enlisted  May  22,  '61.  at  Elmim. 

McTuire,  Fr.-iiik,  ('orponil,  enlisted  M  ly  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  Private  at  enrolment, 
atvl  appointed  C..ri)'tral  Septem'wr  1,  '62. 

Anderson.  P  itrick,  Private,  enlisted  Miy  22.  '61.  at  Elmira. 

Almxn  Krtnlt,  "  Feoraary  2J,  '6J,  at  Albany;  wounded  in  ac 

tion  Jun«2Jth.'«l 

Barrtr,  rttrick,  I'rivate,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmir.v 

Butlwr,  J-nn-is. 

Rnvle,  Mii-lin*l,      " 

Christy,  \Villi-im,  " 

Christy.  NM^holas, " 

Case\'.Th')nrn. 

Carroll,  Thomas,    " 

Carroll.  Owen. 

Cincher,  Michael.    " 

Corislk-r,  Jeremiah, 


COMPANY    K. 


75 


Costallo,  Richard,  Private,  enlisted  May  22d,  '61,  at  Elmira. 


taken  prisoner  May  4,  '63, 


taken  prisoner  May  4,  '63 

taken  prisoner  May  4,  '63, 
wounded  at  Frcuericks- 

taken  prisoner  May  4,  '63, 
taken  prisoner  May  4,  '63, 
transferred  from  Co.  £  to 


Cunningham,  Michael, 

an«l  parole  1. 
Donuellv,  Thomas, 
Dowd,  Luke, 

Fagin,   Patrick,  "  " 

Hunt,  William,  »'  " 

and  paroled. 

Labey,  Patrick,  u 

McCred'lan,  1'atrick,  4( 

and  paroled. 
McGuire,  John,  Private,         " 

burp,  Va.,  May  3.  '63. 
Mctiraw,  Thomas,  Private,    "  " 

McGraw,  Daniel,  "         "  " 

and  p:ir>l---i. 
Markey,  1'atrick,  "        "        July  5,  '61, 

and  perilled. 
O'Donnohoe,  Cornelia*,        "        May  22,  *61, 

Co.  K,  Julv,'61,  hy  order  of  Col.  Taylor. 
Roe.  James,  Vriva'e,*  enlisted  May  24,  '61,  at  Elmira, 
Ryan,  Owen, 

Kyan,  Thomas,      "  '* 

Sculh,  James,      "  "  '»  " 

Sti-kles,  J.,seph,  " 
Stea-l,  Jo-eph,      "  "  " 

Walsh,  IV  rick,     "  "        taken  prisoner  May  4, '63,  and 

paroled:  transferred  from  Co.  I")  to  Co  K,  by  order  uf  Col.  Tax  lor. 
McGra\v,  James,  Sergeant,  enlisted  May  22,  ui  Elmira;  wounded  at  Mechanicnville, 

May  -Jo,  'C2 
Curren,  Kichard,  Private,  enlisted  May  2!,  61',  at  Klrnira:  distliaro;«'d  and  promoted 

to  the  Medii-.il  Department  a*  .\psi~tant  .^nrg^on  of  thf  Kegiment. 
Cullen,  Jn'in,  Private,  enlisted  May  *2,  '61,  at  Khnira;  wounded  at  Mecbanicsrille. 

May  -24,  '6i. 
Clancey,  Ihoimr,  Private,  enlisted  May  '2*2,  '61,  at  tlmira;  discharged  on  Surgeon'i 

certiticati'  of  disability,  .November  10,  '6'2. 
Mayers,  Geerjje,  Private,  enlisted  May  £i,  '61,  at  Elinira;  discharged  on  Surgeon'i 

certificate  of  disability. 
Madden,  H«  rnard.  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  discharged  on  Surgeon'* 

certificate  o(  oisabili'v. 

Murphy,  Mich-w-1  C..   IVivat*-,  enlisted  May  2-.»,  '61,   at  Eluiira;  discharged  on  Sur 
geon's  certificate- of  disability,  July  1'2, '6*2. 
Roe,  James,  j'lii  ,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elinira;  discharged  on  Surgeon'i 

certificate  of  disal.ility. 
Penderjriss,  Michatl,  I  rivatr,  enlistod  May  2*2.  '61,  at  Elinira;  discharged  on  Sur- 

geou's  certificate  of  ilis-ihiiitv,  Januarv  3,  '63. 
Donnougboe,  Michael,  Privat(>,'enlisted  Se(  t -ml>er  1,  '62,  at  Albany;  discharged  on 

Surgeon's  certificate  of  di-ability,  October  '24,  '6'2. 
Thomps..n,  John,  Private,  enlisted  May  '2'2,  '61,  at  Klmira;  discharged  on  Surgeon'i 

certificate  of  disability,  September  3,  '62. 
Byron,  John,  Private,  enlisied  February  1,  '6'2,  at  Albany;  discharged  on  Surgeon'i 

ciTtilicaie  of  'lisability. 
Gibson,  James,  Private, 'enlisted  August  39,  '6'2,  at  Albany;  discharged  by  order  of 

Gen.  Franklin,  Nov.miber  17,  !6'2. 
Joslyn,  Sam ti i  I  B.,  Private,  enlisted  August  26, '62,  at  Albany;  discharged  br  order 

of" Gen.  Franklin,  Novem^r  17, '62. 
White,  Stephen,  Piivate,  enli--1ed  Miv  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  discharged  on  Surgeon'i 

certificate  of  disability,  0,-tnln  r  29,  '62. 
Hodgson,  John,  Private,  enlisted  August  27,  'fi'2,  at  Rocbest«r:  transferred  to  Co. 

1>,  3:)d  N.  V.  S.  Vols.,  and  attached  to  49th  X.  Y.  S.  Vote.,  Ma;  15,  '03,  by  order 

of  (Jen.  Sed>jwick. 
Nnone,  James,  Private,  enlisted  August  30,  '61,  at  Rochester:  trnnwfi-rred  to  Co.  D 

33d  N.  Y.  S   Vols ,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  V.  S.  Vols ,  Mar  lo,  '63,  by  order  ol 

Gen  Sed-nnck. 
Kugeut,  Patrick,  Private,  enlisted  August  31,  '62,  at  Seneca  Falls;  transferred  to  Ca 


76 


COMPANY    K. 


T>,  33d  X.  V.  R.  Vols.,  and  attached  to  49th  N.  Y.  8.  Vols.,  May  15,  '63,  by  order 
of  Gen.  Sedgwiok. 

Bo\li>,  i  horn  is,  Private,  enlisted  July  5, '61.  at  Elmirn;  died  at  Ilngerstown  Md. 
Noveml*  11, '61. 

Finegan,  Jos-pli,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  Camp  Griflin,  Va., 
Deceml.er  25,  '61. 

Riely,  John,  Private,  enlisted  Mny  22,  '61,  at  Elmin;  died  at  Frederick  Citv,  Md., 
NovmUT  &,  '62. 

Cl.'irk,  Onnre,  P.ivate,  ei.Iistcd  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  Newark,  N.  .T.,  Octo 
ber  P.I,  'C2. 

Cross,  Amis  N.,  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  llanison'n  Land 
ing,  NovemlK  r  11, '62. 

Haves,  .James,  I'r.vate,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died  at  Washington  in 
Hosi.ilni,  .liilv  11, '62. 

McConn.  II,  IVrirk.  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  died   at  Alexandria, 

Hurphv,  Michael,  Private  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira:  died  at  Anmpohs,  Octo 
ber, '62. 

Ryan,  .lames.  Piivate,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira  ;  died  at  IIagcrsto\vn,  Novem 
ber  8th,  '62 
Murphv   l>:i"M.  Private,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Klinira  ;  killed  in  battle  at  Me- 

chnni.  svill  -,  May  24,  '629. 
Carroll,  Michael.  Piiva'e,  enliste-i  August  28, '62,  at  Seneca  Falls  ;  killed  in  battlt 

at  Kn'«i«Mick>biirir,  May  3,  '»«3. 
Smith,  P.eman),  I  riv;<te,  enlisted  July  4,  '61,  at  Elmira;  killed  in  battle  at  Freder- 

icksln.r/,  May  3.  '63. 
Burns,  James,  1'iivate,  enlisted  May  22,  '61,  at  Elmira;  deserted  at  Elmira,  July  5, 

1861. 

Coir,  Pa'rk-k.        "  •«  "        "        4, 

Bovl  .  l.n»rencp,"  "  "        "        3, 

Donnelly,  John,  "  "  "  "  "        "        4, 

Flitin,  Tli..s.  "  "  "  "  "        "        0, 

l)atinn^.i.,le.  Thomas, 

July  7,lSt',l. 
Hayes    lu-ni--,  Piivate,        "  "  < 

July  7,  1861. 
Hunt,  Gordon.  Piivate, 

Keeh  r,  James,        li  "  "  ' 

McGi'l,  Mirh.vl,      "  "  " 

July  8,  1SC1. 

McGiavv,  Bernard.  "  "  " 

Murphy,  iluirh,        "  "  «' 

July  f>,  '01, 
Mill*  r.  Joseph. 

July  10,  1861. 
Nerfzle,  1'aficlf,      "  ••  " 

July  10,  1SC1. 
Rogers,  I'M  trick,        " 
Ryan,  Philip,  "  "  " 

"Julv  7,  1S61. 

SwiU,'  Williamli  ,    "  " 

Wollagf,Thr.)nian,"  '•  " 

JuJv  10,  1861. 
Gen,   William,  "  "  " 

Oak  Cimrch,  Va.,  Fehnnry  23,  1S63. 
Yacklry,  Annis,  Private,  enlisted  September,  29, '61,  nt  Seneca   Falls,  deserted  at 

rt*der|ck«bnnr,  November  2, 1862. 
Smith,  J..IM-,  Private,          "        August,  27,  '61  at  Rochester,  deserted  at  Hagera- 


"  atWilliamspoit,  Pa, 

"  at  Elmirn,  July  4/61. 

"  at    Baltimore,    Md., 

"  nt  Flmirn.  J.ilv3.'6l. 

"  at    Baltimorj,     Md., 

"  at  Washington,  D  C., 

"  at  Washington,  D.C. 

"  at  Flmirn.  July  4,'C1 

"  at  Wiihamsport,  Pa., 

"  at  Flm'in,  Ju'y  4/61 

"  at  Wasui..guin,  I).  C., 

"  at  Camp  near  Whit* 


town,  M  I 
McCabe,  John  ,      " 

Va. 
McKinmy,  Patrick, 

ber  1.  lsr.1. 

Buckley,  I'ariiel  Ptiva'p, 
Kilty,  Mictiael.  Corporal, 

2,  1802. 


May  22, '61  at  Elmira,  at  Camp   Ethan    Ellen 
July  5, '61,  "        at  Camp  Griffin,  Decem- 


July  f>,  '61, 
May  22,  '61, 


"        at  Cnmp  Ethan  Ellen. 
41        from  Turkey  bend,  July 


M130418 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


